Register to vote in the Local Government Elections

Voting stations across the country open on 17 and 18 July 2021 to allow eligible South Africans to register to vote in the upcoming Local Government Elections.

Existing voters will also have the opportunity to check their registration details and update these, if necessary.

The Local Government Elections will take place on 27 October 2021.

According to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), all 23 146 voting stations will open from 8am to 5pm on 17 and 18 July. This will be the only opportunity for voters to register and check their registration status at their voting stations.

“However, ongoing voter registration will continue during working hours at local IEC offices until the proclamation of the elections,” it said. 

Registered voters will still be able to amend their registration details through the 'Click, Check, Confirm' functionality on the IEC’s website.

To register as a voter, citizens must be at least 16 years old and be in possession of a valid South African ID document – either a green barcoded ID book or a smartcard ID.

“Voters are reminded that they must be registered at a voting station in the ward in which they are ordinarily resident and must provide an address or detailed description of a place of residence. However, proof of address (e.g. in the form of a utilities account) is not required for registration.”

The IEC said anyone visiting a voting station should wear a mask or appropriate face covering and observe social distancing.

Hand sanitising facilities and stationery will be provided at each voting station.

Eligible voters can find out more about where, when and how to register by visiting the IEC’s website at www.elections.org.za

Existing voters can check their current registration details on the website or by SMSing their ID number to 32810 (at a cost of R1).

The IEC urges South Africans, particularly those who are eligible to vote for the first time, to use the one-and-only registration weekend or the online portal to prepare to vote in October this year.

“Voters who have moved house since the last election as well as those with incorrect, incomplete or missing addresses are especially urged to update their details,” said the IEC.

  – SAnews.gov.za