In preparation for the inmates’ voter
registration scheduled for 30 January to 1 February 2024, the Electoral Commission, working
together with the Department of Correctional Services, are reaching out to the
families of inmates to deliver identity documents (IDs) to correctional
centres.
Acknowledging that a number of
offenders do not keep IDs in their possession, family members are thus
requested to make the necessary arrangements by delivering any of the following
forms of identification: green barcoded ID, smartcard ID, or valid temporary
identification certificate (TIC) to correctional facilities.
The Electoral Commission has been
informed that, due to the transfer factor for inmates, Correctional Centres
will also be accepting IDs for inmates serving sentences in distant towns or
provinces. These IDs will be transferred to the relevant facilities where
inmates are incarcerated. The Department of Correctional Services has
indicated that it will put all necessary measures in place to ensure that IDs
are kept safe.
The South African Constitution states
that every eligible adult citizen has the right to vote. Placement in a
correctional facility does not abrogate this right, which has been exercised by
inmates without exception since the general elections in 1999. However, a green
barcoded ID, a smartcard ID, or valid TIC is a necessity for one to register as
a voter.
Eligible inmates will
be permitted to apply for voter registration against the voting district in
which their home address falls. The Electoral Commission urges all eligible
inmates to participate in the upcoming 2024 National and Provincial elections
by updating their voter registration details or registering as voters.
ISSUED BY THE ELECTORAL COMMISSION
Ensuring free, fair and credible elections
For
media queries: Please contact Kate Bapela on 082 600 6386
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