What to do if you can’t vote where you are registered to vote
South Africans voting on election day must, as a rule, vote at the voting station of the voting district in which they are registered.
Western Cape Provincial Electoral Officer, Michael Hendrickse said in a press release that there is, however, one exception.
"If, for whatever reason, you cannot vote at your voting station but can do so at a different voting station on election day, you can notify the IEC beforehand."
For such notifications (section 24A Notification in the Electoral Act) it is now mandatory to give notice in advance if a voter wants to vote at a different voting station on 29 May.
In previous elections, voters were able to apply at a voting station to vote at a different voting station on election day. "This will no longer be allowed, and voters will be turned away if they have not notified the IEC prior to election day," Hendrickse said.
The submission of section 24A notifications of intention to vote at a voting station where not registered, opened on 15 March and closes at 17:00 on 17 May 2024.
"This notification system will go a long way towards ensuring a seamless voting process on 29 May. We ask voters to abide by this change to the Electoral Act, so they are not disappointed on election day. So, whether you're working or have plans to be outside the district where you are registered, make use of this process."
Important to note
Hendrickse said if you intend casting a vote at a voting station where you are not registered, but within the province, you will receive all three ballots (national, regional and provincial).
"If you intend casting your vote at a voting station outside the province where you are registered, you will receive only the national ballot."
Even if you applied to vote at another voting station and your plans change, you can still vote at your registered voting station on election day.
You can notify the IEC by using the online portal at www.registertovote.elections.org. za or by visiting your local IEC office in person, on weekdays during business hours, and submitting an application.
If you want to know your voting station, SMS your ID number to 32810 (R1/SMS) or WhatsApp Hi to 060 088 0000.
IEC offices are open Monday to Friday, from 08:00 to 17:00. The call centre (0800 11 8000) is open during office hours.