Voting Processes in South Africa

Can anybody over 18 can vote in South Africa?

No. In South Africa, in order for you to be eligible to vote, you must be registered to vote. Also, you can SMS your ID to 32810 or call 0800 11 8000 to check on your registration and voting station details. The Electoral Commission’s contact centre will be open between 07:00 and 21:00 to assist voters with any queries.

When can I vote in South Africa?

In South Africa, voting stations will open at 07:00 and close at 21:00, when the big count commences.

Where do I vote in South Africa?

In South Africa, provided you are a registered voter, you can vote at any voting station. However, if you vote outside the province where you are registered, you can only vote on the national ballot.

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.
• However, 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.

How do I ensure that my ballot is valid in South Africa?

Your ballot papers must be stamped with the IEC’s official stamp. Also, you must draw a cross in pen next to only one party per ballot paper, or in other words, only one cross per national ballot paper and one cross on the provincial paper.

What if I made a mistake in South Africa?

In South Africa, if you incorrectly mark a ballot paper and realize this before placing the paper in the ballot box, no need to worry , you only to just ask the presiding officer for a new ballot paper. Please make sure that the incorrect ballot paper is marked as “cancelled”. However, once your ballot has been placed in the ballot box, it can’t be removed.