Final warning for South Africa this week
The Independent Electoral Commission has issued its final call for South Africans to register to vote for the 4 November elections, with the voters’ roll closing at midnight, Friday 7 August.
The commission hosted its final registration weekend this past weekend, where more than 1.7 million citizens interacted with the IEC, including 291,806 first-time voters.
While the registration weekends are now over, voters who missed their chance to register in person stll have until the final deadline to register or update their details online.
The registration portal can be accessed on: https://registertovote.elections.org.za
The IEC urged eligible voters not to wait until the last minute, warning that registration channels typically become busier as the deadline approaches.
The commission has also introduced voter registration via WhatsApp, providing another way for voters to register or update their voter information using their mobile phones.
To use the service, voters can WhatsApp “Hi” to 0600 88 0000.
The platform uses secure identity verification, including one-time password authentication, ID document uploads, address verification and voting-station confirmation.
Some voters using WhatsApp may be directed to the IEC’s online registration platform to verify their residential address using an interactive map.
The IEC said the latest registration drive saw significant participation from young people—a key demographic that has historically been difficult to mobilise, particularly for local elections.
Of the 1.7 million transactions recorded during the weekend, 485,757 involved people aged between 16 and 29, while 46% of new registrations were by voters under 29.
Notably, citizens can register at age 16; however, only those 18 or older are eligible to vote.
The IEC also warned that voters need to ensure their registration details are correct, particularly those who have moved.
In local government elections, voters must vote at the voting station where they are registered, meaning those who have changed addresses should update their details before the deadline.
Voters can check their registration status by SMSing “myID” followed by their ID number to 32810.
With SA News
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