Two IEC numbers to know as special voting begins
PRETORIA — South Africans who applied for a special vote can check whether it was approved by sending their 13-digit ID number by SMS to 32711 at a cost of R1. To check where they are registered to vote, they can send the same ID number to 32810. Special voting stations open from 8am to 5pm on Monday, 2 November, and Tuesday, 3 November, ahead of Wednesday’s municipal elections.
Who votes at a station and who votes at home?
The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) approved 2,655,067 special votes. Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo said 1,976,542 people were approved to vote at their registered stations. A further 678,525 qualified for home visits because they could not travel to a station. Electoral officials will visit those voters at their registered addresses within their voting districts.
Voters who need directions or want to confirm their station before leaving home can send “Hi” by WhatsApp to 060 088 0000 or call the IEC on 0800 11 8000. They can also check their special vote application online. Applications closed on 12 October, so the status check is for people who already applied.
What to bring and when polls close
Voters must present a smart ID card, green barcoded ID book or valid temporary identity certificate issued by Home Affairs. A driving licence, passport, student card or photocopy of an ID will not be accepted. For municipal elections, voters must use the station where they are registered.
Registered voters who have received no response to their special vote application and have not cast a ballot can still vote at their registered station on Wednesday, 4 November. Election day has longer hours than either special voting day: stations open at 7am and close at 9pm.
Anyone with additional information can contact the press desk at press@townpress.co.za or drop a tip.