NATIONAL NEWS - Registered voters who will be unable to cast their ballots on election day have until 17:00 on Monday 12 October to apply for a special vote.

Special voting will take place on 2 and 3 November, ahead of the local government election.

Applications can be made online through the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), while voters applying to cast a special vote at their voting station can also SMS their ID number to 32249. SMSes cost R1.

Click here to register for a special vote 

The IEC confirms that special votes are available to registered voters who cannot vote at their voting station on election day, while provision is also made for qualifying voters who are physically unable to get to a voting station.

The Garden Route District’s mayor, Marais Kruger, thanked those residents who have registered to vote and welcomed the interest shown in the local government election. “The strong interest in participating in our local government election is encouraging and something that we can all be proud of,” he said.

Kruger encouraged eligible residents to investigate the special vote option ahead of the deadline. “Special voting can help reduce pressure on voting day, resulting in shorter queues and a more comfortable experience for everyone.”

He urged residents who qualify to check the requirements and submit their applications in time. “Let’s work together to ensure that every voter has the opportunity to cast their ballot safely, efficiently and with dignity.”

The IEC advises voters to check that they meet the requirements for a special vote before applying. Applicants are notified whether their application has been approved.

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