Here is a step-by-step guide on how to vote in the 2019 National and Provincial elections:
Before voting day: Confirm your registration status, current voting station and ward number by using your ID number on the Independent Electoral Commission website. You can also SMS your ID number to 32810 (R1.00 per SMS).
On the day: Visit your local voting station at which you are registered in order to be able to make your mark on the national and provincial ballot paper.
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What to take with you: Take along with you your green barcoded South African Identification (ID) book or Smart Identification Card.
In the queue: An election officer will check your (ID) book or card, or temporary identification certificate to make sure you are registered. This year for the first time voters can expect delays, as voters can now register their address ahead of casting their vote.
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At the entrance: An election official will scan your ID to ensure your name appears on the voters’ role.
At the voters’ roll and inking table: Once the election official has confirmed that you have the correct ID, are a registered voter and have not already voted, your name will be marked off the role and a small ink mark will be placed on your thumbnail.
At the ballot paper table: An election official will stamp the back of two ballot papers – one for your national vote and one for your provincial vote – and hand them to you. You will then be shown to the ballot booth. REMEMBER- Your vote is your secret, so you should not tell anyone at the voting station, which political party you will or have voted for.
In the ballot booth: With an ‘X’, mark the political party for which you are voting for on both ballots. Fold them separately, so your choices are not visible, and place them in the ballot box, which will be situated outside of the ballot booth.
Physically disabled or elderly voters: If you are physically disabled, visually impaired, heavily pregnant or elderly, go to the front of the queue at the voting station and ask for assistance.
The presiding officer may also assist you in casting your vote. An observer and, if available, two agents from different parties, must be present.
Incorrect ballots: If a ballot paper is incorrectly marked and you realise this before placing it in the ballot box, you may ask the Presiding Officer for a new ballot paper. Ensure the incorrect ballot is marked as “cancelled”.
NOTE: Once a ballot paper has been placed in the ballot box, it cannot be removed. Thereafter you can count yourself as an official South African voter.
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