Deadline for applications for special votes Friday

The national and provincial elections only takes place on 29 May, but voters who qualify can make applications for special votes. The deadline for applications is tomorrow (Friday, 3 May).

According to the Electoral Commission a voter can apply for a special vote on a predetermined day as specified in the time table if the person is registered to vote and the person can't vote at their voting station on Election Day.

By law, a voter can apply for a special vote if he/she:

Can't travel to their station because he/she is physically infirm, disabled or pregnant

Can't vote at their voting station on election day.

To apply for a special vote, a voter must meet the following requirements:

Be a South African citizen Be a registered voter

Be at least 18 years old on voting day.

In terms of Section 97 of Electoral Act 73 of 1998, it is a criminal offence to provide false information. It is also an offence to register on behalf of a voter or use their details without their prior consent. This amounts to impersonation in terms of section 88 of the Electoral Act, Act 73 of 1998 and is punishable by a fine or imprisonment for a period not exceeding 5 years.

Voters may vote outside of the voting district where they were registered for voting day, 29 May, but needs to notify the Electoral Commission before voting day during the period specified in the Election Timetable.

The notification for the 2024 Elections is 15 March to 17 May.

A voter can submit a notification to vote where not registered (Section 24A) if he/she will be away from the voting station at which you are registered on Election Day 29 May.

To submit a notification to vote where not registered (Section 24A), you must meet the following requirements:

A South African citizen; A registered voter and At least 18 years on voting day.

A voter must provide an address where he/she will be on voting day, 29 May.

If he/she vote inside the province where he/she are registered, they will receive three (3) ballot papers. These are the National, Regional and Provincial ballot papers.

If a voter vote outside the province where he/she are registered, they will receive the National ballot paper only.

For more information visit the IEC website on www.elections. org.za.