The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) in the Western Cape has reminded voters that they can apply for a special vote ahead of the upcoming local government elections.
Special voting will take place on 2 and 3 November, two days before the main election on 4 November. The IEC said eligible voters can apply for a special vote regardless of the reason they are unable to vote on election day.
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Provincial Electoral Officer Michael Hendrickse said voters who cannot travel to a voting station because of illness or disability can instead apply to have their votes taken at home.
Applications for special votes will open on 12 September and close during the second week of October.
Western Cape IEC Explains Special Vote Applications
Hendrickse said arrangements can also be made for people living in old age homes, with managers able to assist residents in obtaining and submitting the necessary application forms.
“You can work through your manager, if you’re in an old age home, for example, and you can work through your manager of the old age home, who can be in touch with us to collect the application forms. It is specifically limited to those who cannot get out of their homes.”
The home visit option is specifically intended for voters who are unable to leave their homes because of illness or disability.
IEC Warns Western Cape Voters To Check Registration Details
The IEC has also urged voters to confirm that their registration information is still correct before the elections.
Hendrickse said voters should pay particular attention to their voting district and voting station details, as some locations may have changed since the previous election.
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“The overwhelming majority will be the same, but there will be those instances where we couldn’t get the previous location or station.”
Voters are therefore encouraged to check their registration details ahead of the November elections and ensure they know where they are expected to cast their ballots.
