All your elections questions answered #IMadeMyMark

WITH the national and provincial government elections 2019 set for Wednesday, 8 May, there are always frequently asked questions.

Ward councillors for the Queensburgh Area, Chris van den Berg and Samantha Windvogel, have provided the answers. 

• Is it too late to register?

Yes, as the voters roll is now closed and those who did not register will now not be able to vote. 

• I was registered but I don’t know if I’m still registered?

SMS your ID number (only the number) to 32810 at a cost of R1 per SMS and you will receive an electronic response to confirm if and where you are registered, or visit the website at www.election.org.za and type in your ID number to confirm registration status.

• I previously registered and voted in another province but I have since moved – can I still vote?

The 2019 elections are national and provincial elections, which means you can vote anywhere in SA, provided you are registered and appear on the voters roll somewhere in the country. If you are anywhere within the same province where you are registered, you will receive both a provincial and national ballot. If you are outside the province where you registered but still within the borders of SA, you will still receive a national ballot. 

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• I lost my ID, can I use my passport or driver’s license to vote?

No you cannot use a passport or driver’s license to vote – only the bar-coded green ID book or the new smart ID card, or a valid temporary ID issued by the Department of Home Affairs. 

• I lost my ID but I have a photostat copy, can I use it to vote?

You cannot use a copy of your ID or smart card to vote, it has to be the original. If your ID has been stolen, apply for a temporary from Home Affairs in time to vote on 8 May.

• My ID is in my maiden name, but I have married and forgot to change it – can I still vote?

Yes, as the system recognises your ID number. It is, however a good idea to take your marriage certificate along, in case an IEC official disputes the identity of the bearer. It is the responsibility of the citizen to ensure their ID is updated and replaced with a new one if the photograph no longer meets their likeness. 

• I only have the green ID book and they say you must have the new ID card. Can I still vote?

The green bar-coded ID book is valid, as is a valid temporary ID. 

• I’m a nurse and I’ll be working that day – can I still vote?

Yes. Apply for a special vote to indicate you will not be available on 8 May. The form must be handed in to the IEC between 4 and 18 April, to allow you to vote on either Monday or Tuesday, 6 and 7 May at the voting station you indicated. You will only be able to vote at that voting station, as your name will reflect on that voting station’s special voters list. 

• My wife is bedridden and I have to look after her – how can I vote and what about her?

The IEC conducts home visits to those who apply between 4 and 18 April for a special vote due to physical infirmary, disability or pregnancy. The IEC urges their caregivers to apply for a special vote to be administered at home and at the same time, thus alleviating the need to seek someone to assist or to leave the person alone while the caregiver goes to vote – apply during the same time with the same address.

• I’m going to visit my children in Johannesburg that week – does that mean I can’t vote?

No. You can vote anywhere in SA, provided you are registered and appear on the voters roll somewhere in the country. If you are outside the province where you are registered but within the borders of SA, you will still receive a national ballot where you are visiting, so take your ID.

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• We are leaving on a boat cruise on 4 May to return a week later – can I cast a special vote?

Special votes can only be done on the two days immediately before the actual election date of 8 May. 

• We will be in Australia for two weeks – can we vote there?

If you applied timeously to vote in Australia then yes, but if you didn’t, that window is now closed. 

• They always mark your thumb with that horrible black ink but I cut my finger off with a powersaw – does that mean I can’t vote?

No. They will mark the thumb on your other hand. If you’ve lost the entire hand, they mark the fingers of your other hand. 

• I know who I would like to vote for but I’m blind – how do I vote?

Voters with disabilities or special needs may ask for assistance from a companion to mark their ballot paper(s). Such a companion must 18 years or older, not a party agent, candidate or observer. No witnesses (party agents, candidates or observers) are necessary when a companion assists a voter. The presiding officer must remind the companion that she or he is not allowed to disclose any information that may compromise the secrecy of the vote cast by the voter. If a voter has no companion, then the voting official or presiding officer may provide help. This should be done in the presence of two party agents from different parties and one accredited observer, if available. Where such witnesses are not available, assistance can be rendered in their absence.

What is a special vote and who can apply for it?

There are three types of special votes:

1. Those suffering physical infirmary, disability or pregnancy and who would find it difficult or unable to travel to a voting station may apply for a home visit and vote in the privacy of their home, institution or hospital bed.
2. An election or security services officer who will be on duty on election day, may apply and vote on either the prior Monday or Tuesday.
3. Any person who will be absent from the voting station where they are registered for the day and who wishes to vote on either of the two days prior. 

• What is a home visit and who can apply for it?

Those suffering physical infirmary, disability or pregnancy or who are unable to travel to a voting station can apply for a home visit. This includes senior citizens as well as caregivers, nurses and others tasked with their care. 

• Where do I get an application form for a special vote?

The IEC office at Sizakala Centre at Pinetown Civic Centre, the IEC website or your ward councillors can help you with this. However, the IEC has recommended that the online application at https://www.elections.org.za/IECOnline/special-vote-online-application be the first choice for voters wanting to apply for a special vote.

• I’m registered at Queensburgh Civic Centre but the queue is always so long – can I go and vote somewhere else?

Yes, you can vote anywhere but it is always advisable to rather vote at the station where you are registered because they will immediately pick you up on the local roll, and it eliminates confusion for the next local government election in 2021 when you can only vote at the station where you are registered. It should be the one closest to home.

In the event that you do have to attend a different voting station, ones within the province of KZN will allow you to fill in both national and provincial ballot papers.
However, if you vote outside of your home province, you will only be issued the national ballot paper.
You will be required to fill in a form to account for your voting at a different voting station. 

• I didn’t go to have my address recorded – can I still vote?

You can vote anywhere in the province or country, but it’s advisable to vote at your local voting station even if they don’t have your address on record yet. If unsure which voting station, SMS your ID to 32810.

• What time will the voting station open and close?

7am to 9pm but don’t wait until the last minute.

• Can I take my husband’s ID and our marriage certificate and vote on his behalf?

No, the bearer of the ID has to be physically present to exercise their own vote. 

• I’m not a SA citizen but I’ve live here for many years and even voted in 1994 – can I vote in 2019?

No.

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