No ballot selfies, please! IEC shares last-minute voting tips ahead of elections
No ballot selfies, one X per ballot and don't panic if you make a mistake! The IEC shares last-minute tips for today’s local government elections.
Sara-Jayne Makwala King
Picture: Unsplash.com
Unsplash.com
We live in an age where everything we do is apparently Insta-worthy, but if you're thinking of taking a selfie with your completed ballot paper on election day, think again!
The Electoral Commission (IEC) has reminded South Africans that photographing a completed ballot paper is actually illegal and could even land you in jail.
Speaking to Bongani Bingwa on 702, IEC official Mmakgabo Ramatlhodi said snapping a pic of your ballot is a no-no.
Voters should keep their choices private, he said.
"It is still illegal for one to take a picture of a cast ballot... we don't want people to go to prison after voting."
He explained that taking a picture of a cast ballot is a breach of the electoral code of conduct.
"You could face prosecution if you do that."
But don't worry, you can still show off your civic pride. Ramatlhodi said voters can take selfies of their ink-marked thumbs instead.
He also shared some practical advice for the roughly 29 million registered voters heading to the polls on Wednesday.
How many ballot papers will you get?
Voters in metropolitan municipalities will receive two ballot papers, while those in local municipalities will receive three.
"If you're voting in a metropolitan municipality, you receive two ballot papers. A vote ballot contested by political parties as well as independent candidates to vote for a councillor. The second ballot is a metro PR ballot where you vote for a political party... So those are the two ballot papers you should expect in a metro."
How should you mark your ballot?
The IEC recommends making a single X next to the party or candidate you want to vote for.
Other marks are allowed; the most important thing is that your choice is clear.
"We encourage people to use X when they vote because it is the centre of that X that really determines the choice of a voter. In case your mark overlaps with another window on the ballot paper, we look at the centre of the X, and we know that is the choice of the voter."
Made a mistake? Don't panic. You can just ask an election official for a replacement ballot.
"If you do make a mistake on your ballot, do call for the attention of the presiding officer or one of the electoral staff."
And where do you vote?
Ramatlhodi encouraged voters to check their registered voting station before leaving home.
You can SMS your ID number to 32810 at a cost of R1 or WhatsApp "Hi" to 0600 880 000, or you can go to www.elections.org.za.
Also remember to bring your green barcoded ID book, smart ID card or temporary identification certificate.
A driver's licence, passport or letter from your mom won't do!