Vote safely during COVID-19

IF WE ALL work together, we can help keep each other safe from COVID-19 on voting day.

With the Local Government Elections set to take place on 1 November, the safety of voters and staff during the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic is a top priority for the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).

Participating in the Local Government Elections is important because municipal councils play a crucial role in providing services to people. By voting you can have a say in what happens in your community. Your vote is your voice to choose your government.

The IEC, which has called on all eligible voters to cast their ballot on 1 November, has put a COVID-19 protocol guide together to assist voters and let them know what to expect on voting day.

COVID-19 protocol guide

Voters must:

• Wear a face mask, as per lockdown regulations for all people in public places. If you don’t have a mask or face cover, the election officials will refuse

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• you entry into the voting station and you will not be able to vote.

Keep a distance of

1.5 metres from other voters, election officials, party agents and observers at all times. Wait your turn before entering the voting station, as only a limited number of people may be gathered inside the venue at the same time.

Sanitise your hands before you enter and leave the voting station.

Bring your own pen for marking your ballots. If you have to use a voting station pen, don’t worry as these will be sanitised after each use.

Wait after your thumbnail has been inked to ensure that the ink has dried before your hands are sanitised when leaving the voting station.

Politely speak up if people are too close to you, or if anyone’s behaviour makes you feel uncomfortable.

All election staff will be provided with a disposable face mask, face shields, disposable cardboard bins, sanitiser wipes, hand sanitisers, disinfectant fogger sprays and social distance markers.

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