Electoral Commission launches online voter registration system

The Electoral Commission (IEC) rescheduled its planned voter registration weekend to July 31, and August 1, due to the third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. All 23 151 voting stations are expected to open between 08:00 and 17:00 over that weekend to help voters register and check their registration details in person.

The introduction of an online registration system is a crucial part of the IEC’s plans to boost voter registration despite Covid-19 ahead of the Local Government Elections scheduled for October 27.

The IEC hopes that providing a facility whereby voters can register, check and update their registration details without having to visit an IEC office or a voting station will serve to minimise congestion and maximise registration.

Due to the 24/7 nature of online registration, it will also allow voters to register and update their registration details up to the last possible moment ahead of proclamation. Proclamation has the effect of sealing the voters’ roll for purposes of an impending election.

Eligible voters can register in just a few easy steps

1. Go to https://registertovote.elections.org.za
2. Click “Register to Vote Now”
3. Enter your personal details
4. Enter the One-Time Pin sent to your cellphone
5. Search for your address, or if you are at home, use the current location on your device
6. Take a photo of your ID OR submit a scan of your ID
7. You will receive an SMS within 24 hours confirming your successful registration.

Users who created profiles on “Click, Check, Confirm” platform can use the same login details to access the system.

All South African citizens aged 16 years and older in possession of an SA ID (smartcard ID or green barcoded ID book) are permitted to register as voters. Only registered voters aged 18 or older on election day may vote.

Voters must register in a voting district in a ward in which they ordinarily reside and voters are reminded that it is an offence to provide false information or to knowingly register in the ward.

In a local government election, voters may only vote in the voting district in which they are registered.  This is due to the geographic element of local government elections where wards are a basis of the electoral contest.

Agents at the IEC Contact Centre are also able to assist voters with the online facility. The Contact Centre is open weekdays from 8:00 to 17:00 on 0800 11 8000 in all official languages.