South Africa gears up for voter registration this weekend
First-time voters and young people are encouraged to register for next year’s national and provincial elections.
The Electoral Commission of South Africa is gearing up for its first registration weekend of November 18 and 19.
This weekend, 18 – 19 November, is your chance to make a difference in #SAelections24! Join us and get registered. Stations are open from 8 am – 5 pm. Don't forget your SA ID! Your democracy, own it!
Find your station https://t.co/mpLzNV5Jm7 pic.twitter.com/CQ6zdip3i0
— IEC South Africa (@IECSouthAfrica) November 16, 2023
The commission said it’s targeting first-time voters and young people.
The much-anticipated national and provincial elections will be conducted under the theme “Your democracy – Own it”.
According to the IEC, the messaging for next year’s elections is aimed at rekindling the belief among South African voters that democracy is theirs and that they should own it.
IEC deputy CEO Masego Sheburi said the campaign aims to remind South Africans that democracy belongs to them.
Sheburi said there was careful consideration of the platforms to be used to spread the message of voter registration and elections to South Africans.
These include TV, radio, print, out-of-home advertising, a contact centre and digital channels.
According to the commission, it had 69 775 vacant positions, 69 661 of which were filled and thereafter 69 097 people were trained.
Residents are being urged to cast their votes because it’s their way of making their voices heard. Voting also gives residents the power to decide on the quality of life they want for themselves and their community, and even for future generations.
One of the fundamental reasons for one to vote is to make sure that democracy prevails, as it works when people participate in it.
To be eligible to vote, you must be a South African citizen, be at least 16 years or older and have a green barcoded identity book (ID), smartcard ID or temporary ID.
Have queries about voter registration or anything related to the upcoming elections? We're here to assist! Contact us at 0800 11 8000. Open Mon -Fri, 8AM – 5PM. #SAelections24 pic.twitter.com/Xtxi04J2ZJ
— IEC South Africa (@IECSouthAfrica) November 16, 2023
According to the IEC’s website, you can register at the local IEC offices in your voting district by making an appointment.
The commission said by law, no one is allowed to register online or by merely sending an email.
When you get to the IEC’s offices you will be expected to fill in a registration form, whereafter your green ID book will be scanned and you immediately will be provided with a barcoded sticker.
The IEC said upon completing this process, you however do not automatically become an eligible voter, as you need to wait seven days for the captured information to be processed.
Those who have previously registered can check their details by sending an SMS with their ID number to 32810 at the cost of R1.00 per SMS.
Alternatively, the IEC’s mobile app can be downloaded and your ID number entered for verification.
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