With the municipal elections coming up, it’s important to be prepared when you go register and to know where, when and if you need to register. FundiConnect Ambassador Francesca gives you the low down.
What are the 2016 Municipal elections?
“Your vote makes a difference” are the words that I heard the first time I was able to vote and indeed – words that speak truth. You’re finally old enough to take part in something that could make history and you’ve decided to not bother because “everyone’s just going to vote for the current ruling parties”.
The Municipal elections occur every five years to elect councilors; for example Patricia De Lille (Democratic Alliance) who is part of the council responsible for governing Cape Town; Western Cape for the next five years. What is more important than ensuring that the municipality you live in has the most qualified district councilors who will serve your town? These district councilors will ensure that daily services such as water, electricity and sanitation are delivered to the residents of the various municipalities. What a privilege it is to be able to cast a vote and make a real difference.
Voting Day is on the 3rd of August 2016. Remember to go vote.
How do I register to vote for the 2016 Municipal elections?
Voter requirements:
- You must be a South African citizen.
- You need to be at least 16 years old (You can only vote once you’re 18 years old)
- You need your green, bar-coded ID, smartcard ID or a valid temporary identity certificate.
- No passports, drivers licenses or ID copies are accepted; only originals.
- No proof of residence is required.
You can apply for registration during office hours at your local Electoral Commission which are situated at various municipal buildings.
Things to remember
- You must always vote at the voting station that you’ve registered at. Your details are registered there and each district is responsible for electing their specific councilors
- You should register in the voting district that you live in most of the time, to make it easier and more convenient for you.
- If you have previously registered and you have moved and therefore living in another district on election day (E.g. students) you must fill out a form at a registration point and change your details to your current voting district. You are only required to register once unless you have moved to another district.
To find out where your voting station is use the “voting station finder”
For more information:
- https://www.elections.org.za/content/
- Telephone: 0800 11 8000
- info@elections.org.za
FundiConnect 2cents
Your voice is important and becoming involved in the elections is the first step you can take to making a change. Make sure that you have all the necessary information in order to vote, and if you aren’t’t sure which party to vote for; educate yourself as much as possible. At the end of the day it’s your decision and you shouldn’t’t be pressurized in to choosing a party you don’t know much about.
