Voting in Municipal Elections and By-elections

 

Municipal Elections
The last municipal elections were held on 5 December 2000. These elections determine who will represent voters on local and district municipalities. 48.08% of the 18.5 million registered voters went to vote.

 

By-elections
By-elections take place within 90 days after the resignation or death of a councillor, or whenever a political party exercises its right to change its representation in a council. The Electoral Commission is responsible for the management of all by-elections.

 

To vote in a municipal election, you need to be registered on the Voters' Roll. You can then cast your vote in the area in which you are registered.

 

Checking Whether you are Registered on the Voters' Roll

Before you can vote in an election, you need to be registered on the voter's roll.

The Roll contains the details of individual voters and is an important planning tool. For example, it allows the IEC to know how many people are likely to vote in each area so that they can ensure that there are sufficient voting stations. The Voters' Roll is also an important way of preventing electoral fraud.

 

You can check whether you are registered online. To do this, you will need to have your ID number. If you are registered, your Voters' Roll details will be displayed, including where you are registered.You can also phone the IEC toll-free number: 0800 11 8000 or visit your local Municipal Electoral Office to check your registration details.

 

Changing your Details on the Voters' Roll

The Voters' Roll needs to be as accurate and inclusive as possible. Voters' details must be correct. This means that the Voters' Roll needs to be continually updated.

 

New Voters need to be added onto the Roll. This would include anyone who reaches the age of 16, anyone who becomes a South African citizen and any South Africa citizens who haven't registered before.

 

Voters need to update their information, for example if you have changed your address, or if you have changed your surname because you have been married.

 

Names also need to be removed from the Roll. For example, people who have died (a death certificate needs to be provided) or people who have emigrated.

 

To change your registration details, you need to go to your local Municipal Electoral Office.