23 May 2024 Election Day
Why vote?
Democracies thrive when citizens actively participate in elections. Historical trends show that low voter turnout is often associated with democracies at risk, whereas robust voter engagement signifies a healthy democratic process. Voting honours the sacrifices made by those who fought for this right, many of whom faced imprisonment, torture, and even death.
Your vote has tangible consequences; it influences the quality of life in your community and the direction of future policies. It is a means to advocate for the issues you care about and to ensure that your voice is heard. Not voting means relinquishing your influence over critical decisions and allowing others to shape the future on your behalf.
What you need to know:
As the election on May 29 approaches, Michael Hendrickse, the Provincial Electoral Officer at the Independent Electoral Commission “IEC”, provides crucial information for voters. Carl Wastie, KFM Radio presenter, sat down with Hendrickse to address common questions and ensure everyone is prepared for voting day.
Important Dates
Voting will take place on May 29, with special voting scheduled for May 27 and 28. Special vote applications, which closed on May 3, have seen about 1.6 million South Africans register to vote on these dates. If you are unable to be in your registered voting station area on election day, it is essential to notify the IEC in advance. Applications for prior notifications can be made on the IEC’s website and will remain open until May 17. However, if your plans change on the day and you find yourself near your originally registered station, you can still vote there without any issues.
For South African expatriates, voting will occur on the weekend of May 17 and 18. Remember to bring your South African ID to the voting station, as other forms of identification like licenses, passports, and student cards will not be accepted.
‘X’ Marks the Spot
When casting your vote, make sure to place an ‘X’ clearly within the box next to your chosen candidate or party. Do not mark across multiple boxes or write your name on the ballot, as any identifiable marks can render your ballot ‘spoilt’ and it will not be counted. If you make a mistake, you can request a new ballot, but only if the error is caught before placing it into the ballot box, and you are limited to requesting a new ballot twice.
Identification
For those waiting on their ID from Home Affairs, the department is extending its hours and will be open on Saturdays until 1 pm and on election day, May 29, to issue temporary ID certificates. This ensures that everyone has the necessary identification to vote.
The security of your vote is paramount. Once the voting stations close, IEC members will count the votes, and qualified observers will oversee the process to ensure accuracy. Ballot papers are not transported at any point to prevent tampering.
Colour coordinated
When voting within your province, you will receive three different ballots, each serving a distinct purpose. Hendrickse elaborates on these:
- The first is the National ballot, which is blue. This single-page, double-column ballot lists 52 political arties. Here, you will vote for the party you want to govern South Africa.
- The second is the Regional ballot, coloured orange. This ballot determines who will represent your region, such as the Western Cape, in Parliament. It features a single column with 34 parties and independent candidates.
- The third is the Provincial ballot, which is pink. This ballot decides who will run your provincial government, with 29 parties listed.
By understanding these key details and following the guidelines provided, you can ensure your voting experience is smooth and your voice is heard in the upcoming elections.
Listen to the full conversation here: https://www.ewn.co.za/2024/05/10/election-day-101-iec-answers-basic-questions-about-day