Voting in South Africa

Voting is a process where a group, such as a meeting or an electorate, in order to make a collective decision or express an opinion usually on discussions, debates or election.

Why is it important for citizens to vote?

Actually, the law does not necessarily require citizens to vote. However, voting is a very important part of any democracy. By voting, citizens are participating in the democratic process. Citizens vote for leaders to represent them and their ideas, and the leaders support the citizens’ interests.

What do I need to vote in South Africa?

In order for you to be able to vote, you will need the following in South Africa.

• You must take a valid ID document along (this is either a green barcoded ID book, a smartcard ID or a valid temporary ID certificate). Also, branches of the Department of Home Affairs will be open should voters urgently need a temporary ID certificate.
• Voters whose addresses are not reflected on the voters’ roll will be required to provide their address prior to voting (Proof of address is not required).

How does the voting process work in South Africa? 

The following are the voting processes in South Africa:

• Show your green, barcoded, South African ID book or a temporary identification certificate to the voting officer at the voting station.
• The voting officer will check that your name appears on the voters’ roll. If you are not on the voters’ roll but have proof that you have registered (e.g. registration sticker), the presiding officer must validate your proof of registration.
• If he or she is satisfied with the proof, you must complete a VEC4 form (national elections) or MEC7 form (municipal elections) and will then be allowed to continue as an ordinary voter.
• Once the voting officer is satisfied that you have the correct ID, are a registered voter and have not already voted, your name is marked off the roll, your ID is stamped on the second page and your thumbnail is inked. The voting officer stamps the back of the correct number of official ballot papers (one per election) and gives them to you.
• Take your ballot papers to an empty ballot booth, mark the ballot paper, fold it so that your choice isn’t visible and place the ballot paper in the ballot box. You can only vote once in each election.