Zululand youth hold the power ballot

THERE is just one more voter registration weekend left before the proclamation of this year’s local government elections.

And Zululanders, who have not yet verified their name on the voter’s roll, are encouraged to do so at local voting stations during next weekend’s registration drive on 8 and 9 February from 8am to 5pm.

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) office based in Richards Bay, which is responsible for the entire uThungulu District supporting six municipalities, said all systems were in place for the final registration process.

‘We have 1 088 staff employed to work at 544 voting stations across the district,’ said uThungulu IEC Regional Supervisor Thule Dlamini.

‘There are currently 429 459 people on the voter’s roll in the district, which means we have now reached 80% in terms of registration ahead of the final registration weekend.’

In celebration of 20 years of democracy, the IEC has also appealed to eligible teenagers born into the democratic era to come out in their number during the final registration next weekend.

‘We want all ‘born frees’ to experience the elections and be part of our democratic milestone,’ said Dlamini.

Under the campaign, ‘I X South Africa’ (I Vote South Africa), Dlamini said all municipalities had seen an increase of registered voters including a high number of young people registering for the first time.

IN A COLOURED BOX

Who can register?

South African citizens from 16 years of age and above

What do you need?

South African, green, bar-coded ID book OR

Valid Temporary Identity Certificate (TIC) if you don’t have an ID book

Where can you register?

Registration is open at all IEC offices located in each of the municipalities within the uThungulu District from 7.30am – 4pm. Within the uMhlathuze municipality only, registration can also be done at all libraries during office hours. All voting stations will be open for registration on 8 and 9 February between 8am and 5pm

When do I have to re-register?

You only have to re-register when your home address changes or the IEC informs you that your voting district has changed

How do I know if or where I’m registered?

You can check your registration details by sending an SMS with your ID number to 32810 or go to www.elections.org.za