Huge increase in special vote applications
JOBURG – The IEC said the increase of special voter registration to over 740 000 showed greater voter interest.
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) said there has been a ‘huge’ increase in special vote applications for the upcoming local government elections on 3 August.
Special votes, given to disabled, infirm and pregnant voters as well as members of the security forces, election officials, the media and any other voters who are unable to visit their voting station on election day, will be cast on 1 and 2 August between 8am and 5pm, whereas normal votes will be cast on 3 August between 7am and 7pm.
Increase in special votes applications is an encouraging sign of voter interest in #2016MunicipalElections.
— IEC South Africa (@IECSouthAfrica) July 20, 2016
The IEC said it has received over 740 000 applications for special votes, more than three times the number received in 2011 and nearly twice that received in 2014.
“Of the 741 720 applications received, 719 225 were approved. This includes 44 percent of applications for home visits and 56 percent of applications to cast a special vote at the voting station,” IEC spokesperson, Kate Bapela, said.
The IEC believes the increase in special votes is an encouraging sign of voter interest.
“But is also a reflection of the simplification and accessibility of the application process, which for the first time allowed voters to apply online and via SMS.
According to the IEC, over 95 000 applications were received online and over 208 000 via SMS.
In Gauteng, over 6,2 million voters registered to vote on 3 August.
And remember:
#dha offices will extend operating hours for the #LocalGovElections pic.twitter.com/NcvRt4Rsji
— HomeAffairsSA 🇿🇦 (@HomeAffairsSA) July 19, 2016
Details: IEC on 0800 11 8000.
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