THE Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has opened Special Vote applications for the 2024 elections.
This was declared on Monday, 15 April, and the closing date is 3 May.
A special vote allows a registered voter who can't vote at a registered voting station on election day, 29 May 2024, to still exercise their right to vote.
These voters include people who can't travel to a voting station because they are physically infirm, are living with a disability, pregnant, or can't vote at their voting station on election day.
Special votes can either be cast at home (where IEC officials visit residences) or at a voting station.
The IEC has reserved special voting days, 27 and 28 May, for the casting of special votes.
Voters need to apply to be granted special voter status.
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The public is encouraged to visit the IEC's website and local IEC offices as well as send an SMS (voting station special votes only) to apply.
How to apply?
To begin an online application for a special vote, visit the IEC website at https://www.elections.org.za/. Then, navigate to the “Voters” tab, and under the tab, click “Apply for a special vote” in the middle column.
- You can apply, if you are a registered voter.
Have a valid South African identity document (green, barcoded ID book, smartcard ID or a valid Temporary Identity Certificate).
- To check whether you're registered, or not and find out where you're registered:
Check your voter registration status. SMS your ID number to 32810 or call the IEC's contact centre on 012 622 5700.
You can check by using the IEC's secured online application form.
SMS your ID number to 32249 (R1.00 per SMS). For special vote at a voting station only.
Visit your local IEC office (not the national or provincial offices) and submit an MEC 35 form. Forms must be hand-delivered (no emails or faxes accepted). However, someone else may deliver your completed form on your behalf.
- Make an appointment at your local IEC office.
If you can’t apply for a special vote online, do it in person at your local IEC office. If you want to apply for a special vote at your home, send a relative or spouse to apply on your behalf.
Firstly, make an appointment. You can do that by calling your local IEC office.
After you have made an appointment, you can visit your local IEC office during office hours (Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm).
At the local IEC office, you will need to present the MEC 35 form. You can download the form online or request it at the IEC office.
- How to check special vote application status?
After you’ve submitted your special vote application, you can review the status of your application online via SMS or by calling the IEC call centre or check the special vote application status online.
You may also call the IEC call centre on 0800 11 8000 and follow the prompts to get information about your special vote application status.
