The 2016 local elections are taking place in less than a week, but do you know what you are voting for?
On 3 August you will be voting in the municipal election. These elections are held every five years for all districts and local municipalities in all nine provinces.
When voting, you will receive the following ballot papers:
– Metropolitan council voters (big cities) will receive two ballot papers, one for the party vote for the metropolitan council and one for the ward candidate.
– Local council voters (towns and surrounding rural areas) will receive three ballot papers, one for the party vote for local council, one for the ward candidate and one for the party vote for the district council.
Here is what to expect on voting day:
– An official will check your ID and make sure you are registered while you are still in the queue.
– At the door, your ID will be scanned and you will receive a slip confirming that you’re a registered voter and eligible to vote.
– You will give your slip to the voter’s roll official, who will manually cross off your name on the printed voter’s roll. This is to ensure voters only vote once.
– Your left thumb will be marked with indelible ink, indicating that you have already voted.
– You will be given your ballot papers which will be stamped, with your ID book, by an election official.
– You will be directed to an empty voting booth, to cast your vote in secret.
– To avoid a spoilt vote, ensure you make only one clear mark on each ballot. Make sure your X does not touch the lines of the box. If you make a mistake, an election official will cancel the old one and give you a new ballot paper.
– After making your X, fold your ballot in half and proceed to the ballot boxes. An official will make sure your papers are in order and direct you to place your ballots in the correct box.
Although you are not allowed to take any photos inside the voting stations, you are encouraged to take a thumb selfie after completing your vote. Share this on Twitter and Facebook using the hashtags #Ivotedlocal2016, #ProudlySA or #InkthumbSA to show you voted and to encourage friends and family to also do so.
Remember, your vote does count and can make a difference, so go out on 3 August, and make your mark.
For more info visit https://www.elections.org.za/content/for-voters/FAQ-For-Voters/
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
Also Read:
Get ready for Wednesday 3 August
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