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Frequently Asked Questions: For voters

Can I vote...

Frequently asked questions related to who is allowed to vote

Q: Can I vote if I can't get to my voting station on Election Day because I'm heavily pregnant?
A: If you can't get to your voting station on Election Day for National and Provincial elections because you're heavily pregnant, you can apply for a special vote. Please see special votes for details.
Q: Can I vote if I registered but am now in prison?
A: Yes, you can vote in national and provincial elections as long as you have your valid, green, bar-coded ID and you are registered to vote. Check your voter registration status online to confirm that your name appears on the voters' roll.
Q: Can I vote if I registered but have lost my ID with the sticker in it?
A: Yes, just get a Temporary Identity Certificate (TIC) that will be valid on election day. You can apply for your TIC at the Department of Home Affairs. Please also check your registration details and confirm that your name appears on the voters' roll (check your voter registration status online). You can re-register if necessary, as you must be on the voters' roll to vote (see How do I register? for details).
Q: Can I vote if I turn 18 soon AFTER election day?
A: No, you must have turned 18 on or before the day on which the elections are proclaimed (published in the Government Gazette) to be able to vote. No exceptions can be made.
Q: Can I vote if I will be in another town or province on election day?
A: National and Provincial Elections:
You need to vote at the voting station where you're registered to vote. However, if you're outside of your voting district on Election Day you may vote at another voting station in South Africa. If you're outside the province where you registered, you'll only be able to vote in the national election and not the provincial election, and you'll be asked to complete a VEC 4 form at the voting station.
Municipal Elections and By-Elections:
You need to vote at the voting station at which you're registered.

Please remember that you must be a registered voter in South Africa in order to vote. To confirm that your name is on the voters' roll and to find out which voting station you're registered at, please check your voter registration status on line or SMS your ID number to 32810. To locate your voting station on a map, please see our online voting station finder.
Q: Can I vote if I will be out of the country on Election Day?
A: If you are a South African citizen and are registered to vote, but will be out of the country on Election Day, please see special votes for details on how to apply for a special vote (national and provincial elections only).
Q: Can I vote if I will be out of the country on government service on Election Day?
A: If you can't vote at your voting station on Election Day for National and Provincial elections because you'll be out of the country on government service, you can apply for a special vote. Please see special votes for details.
Q: Can I vote if I'm a South African citizen but no longer live in SA?
A: If you're a South African citizen and you registered as a voter in SA, you can apply for a special vote for national and provincial elections.  Please see special votes for details on how to apply to vote.
Q: Can I vote if I'm bedridden and unable to go to my voting station on Election Day?
A: If you’re confined to your bed and can't get to your voting station on Election Day for National and Provincial elections, you can apply for a special vote. Please see special votes for details.
Q: Can I vote if I'm in hospital?
A: If you’re bedridden or in hospital and can’t get to your voting station on Election Day for National and Provincial elections, you can apply for a special vote. Please see special votes for details.
Q: Can I vote if I've lost my registration sticker?
A: You will be allowed to vote as long as your name is on the voters' roll. If your name isn't on the voters' roll and you don't have your registration sticker, you have no proof that you've registered and you won't be able to vote. Please check your voter registration status online to make sure your name is on the voters' roll.
Q: Can I vote if my new ID book has not arrived yet?
A: Yes, you can vote if you have a Temporary Identity Certificate (TIC) that is valid on Election Day. You can apply for a TIC at the Department of Home Affairs. Please remember, you will only be able to vote if you are a registered voter.
Q: Can I vote on behalf of someone who is unable to get to their voting station?
A: No, every voter must vote in person at the voting station.
Q: Can I vote with my temporary registration certificate (TRC)?
A: No, you can only vote with your South African, green, bar-coded ID or a valid Temporary Identity Certificate (TIC). You can apply for a green, bar-coded ID or a valid TIC from the Department of Home Affairs.
Q: Can permanent residents vote in the elections?
A: No, only South African citizens with a green, bar-coded ID book can vote in elections.
Q: I am living overseas and voted in the last national and provincial elections. Can I vote in the municipal elections?
A: The Muncipal Electoral Act does not make provision for overseas voting during municipal elections due to the fact that you can only vote in the ward where you live.

General

Frequently asked questions about voting in general

Q: How does the IEC ensure security and non-intimidation at voting stations?
A: There are police and/or army personnel at every voting station to ensure your safety.
Q: I am blind. Can someone help me at the voting station?
A: You can take anyone who is at least 18 years old and not a party agent with you to the voting station to help you cast your vote. You can also ask the presiding officer at the voting station to help you and/or provide you with a voting aid known as a universal ballot template (UBT).
Q: I have registered, but I don't want to vote. Will anything happen to me if I don't vote?
A: No, voting is not compulsory in SA, however voting is an important civic duty and we encourage all South Africans to participate.
Q: I'm in the SANDF/SAPS and on duty on Election Day. When will I vote?
A: If you’re a member of the SANDF or SAPS and are on duty on Election Day for National and Provincial elections, you can apply for a special vote. Please see special votes for details.