When you can register to vote in the 2021 municipal elections in South Africa

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) will host a national voter registration weekend on 17 and 18 July, ahead of the 2021 Local Government Elections in October.

Over this weekend all 23,146 voting stations around the country will open from 08h00 to 17h00 to assist new voters to register. Existing voters can also use the time check and, where necessary, update their registration details, the IEC said.

The commission said it will also embark on a nationwide voter education and awareness campaign to encourage all eligible voters to participate in the elections scheduled to be held on 27 October 2021.

“The 17 and 18 July registration weekend is the only general voter registration opportunity for voters to register and check their registration at their voting stations. However, on-going 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 website of the Electoral Commission.

What you need to register

In order to register as a voter, you must be:

• At least 16 years old;
• A South African citizen; and
• In possession of a valid South African ID document – either a green barcoded ID book or a smartcard ID.

Voters must be registered at a voting station in the ward in which they are a resident and must provide an address or detailed description of a place of residence.

• Proof of address (e.g. in the form of a utilities account) is not required for registration.

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.

“Voters visiting a voting station in person to register or update their details are reminded that they must wear a mask or appropriate face covering and observe social distancing. Hand sanitizing facilities as well as stationery will be provided at each voting station,” the IEC said.

Voters are encouraged to bring along a pen even though pens will be provided and sanitized routinely, the IEC said.

Further information can also be found at these sources:

• Eligible voters can find out more about where, when and how to register by visiting the Electoral Commission website at www.elections.org.za.
• From June the LGE 2021 Contact Centre (0800 11 8000) will also be available to assist voters via phone and email ([email protected]).
• Voters will also be assisted on the Electoral Commission’s Facebook page and Twitter account (@IECSouthAfrica).
• Existing voters can check their current registration details on the website or by SMSing their ID number to 32810 (cost R1).

“The Electoral Commission urges all eligible voters – and especially first-time voters – to make use of the one-and-only registration weekend or the online portal to prepare to vote in October this year,” it said.

Read: Ramaphosa sets the date for the 2021 local government elections