IEC debriefs Carl Wastie around voter registration weekend and answers YOUR questions

Carl Wastie and Tarryn Lamb speak to the Head of the IEC, Michael Hendrickse.

Hendrickse reports that the Western Cape saw close to 150,000 registration activities - this means people came to register for the first time, re-registered and updated their personal details but the final numbers are still to be confirmed. 

Hendrickse also answered your questions:

1) If you registered at the same venue four years ago, do you have to re-register?

If your details have not changed and if you have double-checked it online - you do not have to re-register. If your personal details have changed, re-registering is crucial.

2) Was it your last time to register?

This past weekend's voting registration activity was the last in-person opportunity to register to vote but online registration remains open over here.

3) If you're 17 years old now and will turn 18 years old a day before or on voting day, can you vote?

You're entitled to register at 16 years old but only eligible to vote at 18 years old. Once a voting date is selected, everyone who turns 18 before or on voting day will automatically appear on the voting roll if they have registered. If you turn 18 after voting day, you will be eligible to vote in the next election.

4) Who do you vote for?

There is a list of political parties on the IEC's website with their contact details to help you research and find more information about who they are and what they stand for. 

5) If you have to work on voting day, where can you vote?

You can apply on the IECs website or send them a SMS for a special vote which will allow you to vote a day before voting day - voting dates will be made available once the President announces the voting date. 

6) What can you expect in this election?

You will get three ballot papers;

National ballot
Regional ballot 
Provincial legislature 

If you're registered in Cape Town but will be in Johannesburg or overseas on voting day - you will not receive regional and provincial ballots - enquire with the IEC about how to cast your vote for these on the website. 

7) Can expats vote?

Expats are eligible to register online and the South African Embassy in the country you're in will be your voting station on voting day.

8) If you are bed-ridden and can't leave the house, can you vote?

You can apply for a home visit on the IECs website where someone from the IEC will come to your home so you can vote.

Scroll up to listen to the full conversation.