Voting made easy

RESIDENTS of north Durban area will be making their way to the polling booths on Wednesday 7 May to participate in the National and Provincial Election.

Many first time voters may feel overwhelmed and confused by the entire process. The DA issued the following helpful tips:

– Every voting station has a defined IEC precinct, which includes the actual voting station. Voters must be aware that this area is sacrosanct and that no political activity of any sort may take place in this area. Representatives of political parties may also not wear any politically branded clothing or display banners or posters. Voters are encouraged to report any contravention of this rule to the IEC presiding officer.

– Before they are allowed to vote residents will be asked to produce their identity documents. A green barcoded ID or temporary ID document will suffice for this purpose.

– Subsequently, the ID book will be scanned to confirm that the voter is registered. After it has been confirmed, the voter’s name will be crossed off the voters roll.

– Residents may vote outside of their normal voting district, but they must fill out a MEC7 form before they will be allowed to do so.

– The voter’s left thumb will then be “inked”.

– The voter will then be issued two ballots, one for the provincial and one for the national vote. Voters are strongly urged to ensure that their ballot is folded and stamped on the back. If the ballots are not stamped they will be regarded as invalid.

– Finally, the voter will proceed to the voting booth to cast their vote. Voters are urged to ensure that they use a pen and not a pencil when casting their votes, to ensure that their votes are not changed afterwards.

– Voters must also be aware that the use of cellphone cameras are forbidden and that infractions will be harshly penalised.

– After casting their ballots, voters will be directed to place their votes in the provincial and national ballot boxes. Voters must ensure that they place their votes in the correct box.