The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) on Thursday announced the window period for applications by voters to cast special votes in the upcoming national and provincial 2019 elections has now been opened. The window will close on April 18.
“The window period for applications by voters to cast special votes in South Africa’s upcoming national and provincial elections opens today and closes on 18 April 2019,” the IEC’s statement read.
Notably, there were two categories of special votes cast inside the country and these were special votes cast during homes visits and those cast at a voting station for voters who were unable to cast their ballot on the day of the elections.
According to IEC, votes cast during home visits are only available to voters who are unable to reach a voting station. Only people with physical infirmity, disability, or pregnancy are eligible to apply to vote at an address outside of their voting district. The home visits will be conducted on May 6 and 7.
“These will be conducted between 9 am and 5 pm on Monday 6 May 2019 and 7 May 2019, if necessary,” the electoral body said.
The special votes cast at a voting station are applicable to any voter who is unable to cast their ballot on voting day. The votes can be cast at the voting station where the person is registered between 9 am and 5 pm on Monday, May 6 and Tuesday, May 7.
In order to be eligible to cast special votes in a home visit, voters will be required to submit an application online via a secure portal at https://www.elections.org.za/IECOnline/Special-Vote-Session or by submitting a completed VEC 1 form at the local office of the IEC in an area a voter intends to be visited. In addition, those who wish to cast a special vote at a voting station can also submit their application by texting their ID number to 32249.
Don’t forget to check with The Chief Observer for latest updates on South Africa 2019 Election.
