As the 2024 national elections draw closer, the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has urged registered voters who wish to cast their ballots by special vote to ensure they submit their applications by the end of Friday (3/5).

The IEC said over a million special vote applications had already been approved yesterday. The IEC's National spokesperson, Kate Bapela, shared this update while reiterating the importance of adhering to the deadline for special vote applications.

Bapela said no late applications can be accommodated, underlining the necessity for registered voters to submit their requests before the closing date, which falls on 3 May. He also highlighted two specific categories of special votes affected by this deadline.

The first category pertains to home visits for registered voters who are infirm or have impaired mobility. These individuals can apply for a special vote to be conducted at their residence or place of confinement.

The second category of special votes is available to any registered voter who wishes to cast their ballot early at their designated voting station. This option provides flexibility for individuals who may have commitments or circumstances that prevent them from voting on the scheduled election day.

Special votes are available to all voters. Photo: SABC

The deadline for submitting applications for special votes is non-negotiable. Special votes are available to all voters, but only upon application by the deadline date of 3 May.

“Persons who intend to vote by special vote must first apply or cause an application to be submitted on their behalf as follows:

• Using the secured online application form on www.elections.org.za

• By sending the identity number of the voter by SMS to 32249 (R1.00 per SMS) for voting station visits only.

• By submitting an Appendix 1B form at the local office of the IEC for a voting station special vote.

• By submitting an Appendix 1A form at the local office of the IEC for a home visit special vote.

Both categories of special votes will be conducted on 27 and 28 May from 05:00 until 21:00.

OFM News/ Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg