All you need to know about election posters and special votes

WITH the 2014 national election season in full swing, and in response to letters from various residents, Ward 18 councillor Tim Brauteseth, clarified issues surrounding the matter of election posters and special votes.

He said in terms of election posters, the erection and removal of these posters are governed by the following policy: the political parties must pay R100 for every ward within which they intend erecting posters. This fee covers the entire election process starting with voter registration and ending with the election itself.

The posters must all be A1 in size with the exception of wall murals. Flying banners may also be erected along the M4 North and South, the beachfront and Higginson Highway in Chatsworth.

There is a limit of 800 posters per ward and these posters may only be affixed to lamp poles. Posters may not be affixed to bridges, trees or walls. They may also not be affixed to robots, directional signs or warning signs.

All posters must be removed within 30 days of the completion of the election. Any poster found erected in the wrong place or not removed within the prescribed period, will result in a fine of R50 per poster to the political party concerned.

In terms of special votes, councillor Brauteseth advised that all elderly or disabled residents who are unable to attend their voting district on election day, may apply for a special vote. This arrangement also applies to those persons who are unable to vote on 7 May due to work or travel. Provision will also be made for residents who are registered to vote, but will be overseas on 7 May.

All residents who require assistance to ontact councillor Tim Brauteseth via email at ward18@ethekwini.org.