As election day approaches, many people find themselves unregistered and worried about the consequences of not casting their vote in the upcoming elections. Worry not, as you can vote without registering under these circumstances.
This election season found many political parties doing their best to campaign for the public’s votes as they wish to be in government, running the country. Voting is the only way to make this possible as it allows the public to select for the party they want to put next in government.
Voting can be overwhelming, especially due to the lack of service delivery and job opportunities in the country. Many people were encouraged to register so that they can cast their votes.
Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) states that South African candidates do not have to worry about re-registering to vote in the upcoming elections, and although the IEC states this, it is important to know under what conditions these rules apply.
The voting board states that voters don’t have to re-register if they have voted before but only if they haven’t moved areas.
The IEC says, “When your home address changes you need to re-register to find out if your voting district changed,” adding, “Voters should check their registration details to find out if re-registering is necessary.”
So on the day, the IEC will accept your green barcoded South African ID book or your smart card to vote if you still live in the same district as the one you lived in when you cast your first vote.
Also see: 6 Tips to an easy voting process
