Voter registration for the upcoming municipal ward by-elections, scheduled to take place on August 23, 2023, will commence this weekend. The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has announced that voting stations in the five wards where by-elections will be held will be open on Saturday, July 8th, and Sunday, July 9th, from 08h00 to 17h00. This registration period allows eligible voters to register, and existing voters to verify and update their registration details, including their address.
To participate in the voter registration process, individuals must bring their valid identification document (ID), which can be either a green barcoded ID book, a smartcard ID, or a valid Temporary ID Certificate. During the registration, voters will need to provide their physical home address or sufficient details of their place of residence. It’s important to note that proof of address, such as a municipal account, is not required.
In addition to the registration weekend, voters can also check and update their details at their local IEC office on weekdays during office hours.
The IEC emphasizes that it is illegal to register and vote in a ward where individuals are not ordinarily resident. Upholding the integrity of the electoral process is crucial in ensuring free and fair elections.
The following wards will hold by-elections:
Eastern Cape:
Ward 08 in Engcobo Municipality – EC137, with 3,320 registered voters, became vacant due to the councillor’s resignation.
Ward 12 in Engcobo Municipality – EC137, with 3,076 registered voters, became vacant due to the councillor’s resignation.
Ward 29 in Enoch Mgijima Municipality – EC139, with 3,131 registered voters, became vacant due to the councillor’s death.
Gauteng:
Ward 102 in the City of Johannesburg Municipality – JHB, with 18,939 registered voters, became vacant due to the councillor’s resignation.
North West:
Ward 25 in Madibeng Municipality – NW372, with 7,498 registered voters, became vacant due to the councillor’s death.
Special voting arrangements will be made for those who cannot vote at the designated voting stations. Special voting will take place at voting stations and through home visits on August 22, 2023, between 08h00 and 17h00. Eligible voters who wish to apply for a special vote can do so at their local IEC office from August 7th to August 11th, 2023. Applications for special votes can also be made online via the IEC’s website, www.elections.org.za. Applicants will receive an SMS notification once their application has been processed.
To stay informed about the by-elections and for more information, citizens are encouraged to contact their local IEC office during office hours. The IEC website, www.elections.org.za, also provides detailed contact information for all IEC offices.
As the COVID-19 situation evolves, certain precautions have been adjusted for voting stations. Voters are no longer required to wear masks or face coverings within the voting station, but they may continue to do so at their discretion. While sanitizing hands upon entry is no longer mandatory, voters are welcome to sanitize if they wish.
The IEC remains committed to ensuring free and fair elections by providing a transparent and inclusive electoral process. Participating in the democratic process is vital for the development.
