Eligible voters have just under a week to submit their special vote applications, with the window set to close on October 4 at 5pm. File Picture: Phando Jikelo
DURBAN - THE deadline for special vote applications for the November 1 local government elections is looming.
Eligible voters have just under a week to submit their special vote applications, with the window set to close on October 4 at 5pm.
The IEC has recently announced that those with a physical disability or infirmity who are not able to travel to their voting stations can apply to vote on a predetermined day before election day.
“Those who cannot travel to their voting station because they are physically infirm, disabled or pregnant, or cannot vote at their voting station on election day, can now apply for a special vote,” said Kate Bapela, IEC spokesperson.
“By law, special votes can only be cast on the dates specified in the election timetable and no exceptions can be made.”
To apply for a special vote, applicants need to use the IEC’s online application form, or send their ID number to 32249. Applicants can also visit their local IEC offices, excluding provincial and national offices, and submit their MEC 35 forms. Forms sent via emails or faxes will not be considered.
An applicant is allowed to send someone to submit the form on their behalf. The applicant can check their application status on the IEC website, but will also receive an SMS notification about the outcome of the application.
Once the special vote application is approved, the applicant can then cast their ballot.
The voting procedure, according to the IEC, includes making sure that their thumbnail has been marked with indelible ink; and, after having received a ballot paper, they should mark their ballot in secret and seal it in an unmarked envelope.
IEC officials will then place the unmarked envelope inside another marked envelope, with the applicants ID number and voting district number.
“The use of two envelopes is to ensure the secrecy of your ballot (the outer envelope is discarded before counting). IEC officials take the envelope and place it in a secure ballot box for special votes. Your name is marked on the Voters' Roll with ’SV’ to indicate that you have cast a special vote.”
Only registered voters can apply for a special vote and citizens can check their registration status by sending an SMS of their ID numbers to 32810, or by contacting the IEC's contact centre on 0800 11 8000.
Daily News
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