You have seen the posters of the candidates, and you have heard the radio ads of the political parties and on 4 November you can cast your ballot in the municipal elections.

But what do you do on election day when you arrive at the voting station?

Make sure you go to the voting station at which you are registered. You can check this on the EIC’s website or you can send an SMS with your ID number to 32810 (R1.00 per SMS). Remember, because this is a municipal election, you will only be allowed to vote at the voting station where you are registered.

Once arrive at the voting station, show your South African Identification Document or a temporary identification certificate to the voting officer. The voting officer will check that your name appears on the voters’ roll. Once the voting officer is satisfied that you have the correct ID, are a registered voter and have not already voted, your name is marked off the roll, your ID is stamped on the second page (if you still have the green ID book) and the nail on your thumb is inked.

The voting officer stamps the back of the correct number of official ballot papers and gives them to you. Take your ballot paper/s to an empty ballot booth, mark the ballot paper correctly, fold it so that your choice isn’t visible and place the ballot paper in the ballot box. Remember you can only vote once in each election.

Physically disabled voters

If you are physically disabled or visually impaired, you can choose someone to help you at the voting station. The Presiding Officer can also help you cast your vote, but an observer and, if available, two agents from different parties must be present.

ALSO READ: More parties, more choices on Western Cape municipal ballots

Incorrect ballots

If you incorrectly mark a ballot paper and realise this before placing the ballot paper in the ballot box, just ask the Presiding Officer for a new ballot paper. Ensure that the incorrect ballot paper is marked as “cancelled”. Once your ballot has been placed in the ballot box, it can’t be removed.

Objections

You should object if a voter has been given too many ballot papers or refused a ballot paper, or you have complaints about the conduct of a voting officer, party agent or any other person present. You can lodge an objection with the Commission.

Source: www.elections.org.za

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