![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2016/07/elections_28975.jpg)
Residents who plan on applying for a special vote in the upcoming local government elections have less than three weeks to do so.
The applications for special votes opened on 10 June and will close on 8 July.
Ward Councillor Carl Mann explained that those applying for special votes will not vote on 3 August, but on 1 and 2 August instead.
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) spokesperson, Kate Bapela, said for the first time applications for special votes will be available online via the IEC’s website www.elections.org.za and by sending an sms, only for voters who will be voting at their district voting stations, with their ID number to 32249.
“Once their application has been processed, voters will receive a notification via email or sms to inform them if their application for a special vote was successful or not. They can also check the status of their special vote application online,” Bapela said.
Mann said election officials will also visit voters at their place of residence to allow them to cast their ballots. Home visits are only available to voters who are disabled, infirm or pregnant.
The following residents can apply for a special vote:
• People who will be working on Election Day i.e police, nurses etc.
• Elderly people who find it difficult to stand for long periods.
• People with a disability who will find logistics on voting day difficult.
• Pregnant women
• People who are immobile due to illness.
• People who will be away on business on voting day.
Details: IEC on 0800 11 8000
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