Elections: Voting facts and fiction
You don't need to worry about 'disappearing ink'.
THE Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has warned the community to watch out for election ‘myths’ ahead of election day next Wednesday, May 7.
A rumour is making its rounds that voters should make sure that they use their own pens, as it is being said the pens provided at the voting stations are not reliable as the ink disappears after voting. IEC spokesman Simphiwe Yeni said that IEC was not aware of such a rumour.
“We are not aware of any incidents where the mark has disappeared on the ballot paper. Pencils were last used during the 1994 elections and have never been used again. However, voters who wish to bring their own ink pens are welcome to do so,” he said.
However, Mr Yeni did advise everyone to check their ballot paper on the day. “It is important for voters to check the back of their ballot paper is stamped before they proceed to make their mark at the ballot booth. That ballot papers without an IEC stamp will be invalid.
Some of the main voting stations are at Ramsgate Magistrate’s Court, Izotsha Primary, Shelly Beach civic offices, Port Shepstone Civic Centre, Port Shepstone Secondary, Umtentweni Town Hall, Hibberdene Town Hall, Southport Library, Marburg Secondary, Uvongo Town Hall, Suid-Natal Primary, Gamalakhe FET College and Margate Middle School.
Voting stations will be open from 7am to 9pm.
For more information, contact the IEC office at 039 6842974. If you do not know where to vote you can also sms your ID number to 32810 and you will receive an sms informing you of your closest voting station.
