Voter apathy widespread on day 2 of voter registration
Elderly residents share their views on the importance of young people casting their vote
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72-year-old Magdalene Gaba from Sunnyside has encouraged young people to come out and register to vote, as it was the right thing to do.
Gaba said that it was important to vote to make right all the things that government officials are getting wrong.
“I vote because if I don’t vote I won’t be able to complain about injustices meted against me or unsatisfactory services rendered to me.
I am not a first-time voter, I am here to change my address as I moved from the house I used to live at,” added the elderly lady.
Gaba, however, did not want to be drawn on which political party would she be voting for in the upcoming National and Provincial election, but she said she was going to be voting for change.
29-year-old Brat Manakana from Pretoria Central said his current circumstances forced him to come out and register to vote, as he felt if he wanted things to change he needed to take the opportunity to put power back in his hands.
“Currently I am unemployed, me coming out here today (Sunday) to register means I am finally taking charge of my life. I am definitely going to vote for a political party that is youthful and represents young people,” said Manakana.
Meanwhile, Ward 59 councillor, Shaun Wilkinson told Rekord that the registration turnout was generally low, adding that most of the voters who came by the station were determined and resolute.
“The positive turnout we do see has involved much community engagement, and education about the importance of voting, and thankfully the IEC is assisting by making the process more accessible, through their online, SMS, and social media efforts.”
“It’s important to continue encouraging civic involvement, especially the youth, through outreach programs, increasing awareness through social media campaigns, and providing convenient registration and voting options,” Wilkinson added.
Ward 64 PR councillor Henriette Frohlich, shared Wilkinson’s sentiment by saying that voter registration turnout was also low in her ward.
“We have had numerous questions about registering online, so I think most have used that platform. We also learned that St. George’s Hotel is no longer a voting station in Ward 65. That voting station has been moved to Pheasant’s Boutique Hotel,” Frohlich said.
Residents who have not yet gone to their respective stations to register or check their status can do so until the stations close at 5 this afternoon.
Residents can also check their voter registration status, and update or register online by following these safe, quick, and easy-to-use steps:
- Get your SA ID book or card ready.
- Go to https://registertovote.elections.org.za
- Click “Register to Vote Now”.
- Enter your details.
- Enter the One-Time Pin sent to your Cell phone.
- Search for your address, or if you are at home, use the current location on your device.
- Take a photo of your ID or submit a clear colour scan of your ID.
- An SMS will be sent within 24 hours to confirm your successful registration.
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