What's a special vote, how does it work, who qualifies? IEC answers

Pippa Hudson speaks to Michael Hendrickse - the IEC’s Provincial Electoral Officer in the Western Cape about special votes.

Hendrickse confirms that registration for a special vote application will open once President Cyril Ramaphosa announces the election date which will be "communicated to the public."

What is a special vote?

Hendrickse says a special vote is open to anyone who cannot vote on election day. An application for a special vote is required. 

Who qualifies for a special vote?

Hendrickse says there are four categories where special vote applications can be applied for.

1) Anyone working on voting day

If you're an IEC official, public worker or anyone required to work on voting day - you're eligible for a special vote.

Voting will take place a day or two before the election date (still to be confirmed).

2) If you're away from you're voting station on voting day

For example, you've registered to vote in one area but will be out of the country on voting day - the special vote applies to you. 

Voting will take place a day or two before the election date (still to be confirmed).

3) Overseas South African voters 

This applies to:

• South African expats living overseas - the voters roll will register you to vote, automatically. On voting day, you'll need to visit a South African embassy in the country you live in to vote.
• If you'll be travelling somewhere else while living abroad. For example, you've registered in one country but on voting day, you'll be in a different country - a special vote applies.
• If you're travelling to a different country on voting day, apply for a special vote.

For overseas voters, voting takes place a week before election day so it can be couriered and counted in time with the votes from South Africa.

4) People who are infirm, disabled or pregnant

People who are bed-ridden, disabled or pregnant are eligible to vote a day or two before election day with a special vote.

If you cannot leave home, you can also apply for a home visit where a member of the IEC will come to your home so you can vote.

Hendrickse also adds that you can vote at another voting station if you won't be at the voting station where you have registered on voting day, provided that you notify the IEC before the time. This does not require a special vote application, as you're still voting on voting day.

"You need to notify the IEC that you're voting at another voting station which helps us contain the flow of people and congestion on voting day."

Michael Hendrickse, IEC’s Provincial Electoral Officer - Western Cape

For more information on special vote applications, visit the IEC's website here.