Thursday deadline for special voting applications

AT 5pm on Thursday the two-week window to apply for special votes will close for voters who’ll be away from their area of registration on election day,

Those qualifying for a special vote include the physically infirm, disabled or pregnant citizens, as well as anyone who will not be in their area of registration on the day.

Voters must have registered by the cut-off date earlier this year, and must have a valid ID book or smart card.

Special voting will take place on Monday, 6 and Tuesday, 7 May, and the names crossed off the voter registration list to prevent anyone from voting twice.

Those wanting to apply for a special vote can do so by visiting the Independent Electoral Commission offices on the third floor of the Civic Centre in Richards Bay, by applying online at www.elections.org.za, or by sending your ID number via SMS to 32249.

The IEC would reject a special vote application only if the person is not registered, if they supplied an incomplete ID number or if there is no record of address.

With two categories of special voting – polling station voting or home visits by the IEC – voters applying must specify which category applies to them.

Home visits are applicable to voters who are physically unable to leave their home.

According to Section 24A of the Electoral Act 73 of 1998, all registered voters are able to vote at any polling station on election day.

Voters located within their province of residence will receive two ballot papers while those outside their province will receive only one – the national ballot paper.

To confirm voter registration status, SMS your ID number to 32810 or contact the IEC’s contact centre on 0800 11 8000.

Timetable leading up to election day

18 April at 5pm: Cut-off date for special vote application

27 April: Casting of special votes by voters outside of South Africa

6 May to 7 May (9am to 5pm): Casting of special votes at voting stations and home visits

8 May (7am to 9pm): Voting day

9 to 10 May: Objections can be submitted to the Electoral Commission

11 May: Electoral commissions must determine and declare the result within seven days as per section 55 of the Electoral Act. This is the earliest date the results will be declared

Once the election results have been declared, the allocation of seats must take place within two days.

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