I wish someone had told me… about registration for the general elections this year

“I wish someone had told me” is a series of posts that feed into our inquisitive nature at CN&CO. Each week we hear from someone in our network about something interesting or surprising that’s recently happened or occurred to them – or lessons they learnt. These blogs are a way to pay it forward and form part of CN&CO’s belief that the world can be a better place – and we all have a responsibility to make it so. This post is by Allan, who shares  information on the upcoming voter registration weekend in January… the last one before the general elections…

I was chatting to friends over the December holiday and the topic of the general elections came up. We then moved on to the need to register to vote. I don’t really worry about this as I have lived in the same voting district for the last two elections, so I know I’m good.

Saying that, some people over the course of the years have mysteriously been removed from their voting district, so you should check to confirm you are registered.

But all of this got me thinking: I haven’t seen any promotional material for registering to vote. However, this could be due to the fact I do not listen to the radio when I’m driving. But, I haven’t seen anything on social media either. What’s the deal then? Maybe the people reading this could share their opinion with me.

So even though I am good to vote come the day Pres. Cyril Ramaphosa declares we will vote, here are the things you need to know before we do vote.

Last weekend to register:
Don’t think just because you are of age, you will be eligible to vote. You must be a registered voter. Without being registered, you cannot make your voice heard. Every vote does count. Think Trump.

The next voter registration takes place on the weekend of 26 & 27 January 2019.

Voting station:
You can check where the voting station you belong to is.
How frustrating would it be to rock up and stand in a queue, to only get to the front and be told you are at the wrong place?

Check your status
Updating your details: use the new and friendly My IEC Portal.

Please note that the My IEC portal does NOT allow for online voter registration. It currently only allows for registered voters to check, update, or submit their address details. To register as a voter, you will need to visit your local IEC office.

Here is a PDF guide on how to create your profile

Documents needed to register as a voter:
You only need a green, barcoded South African ID book, smartcard ID, or valid Temporary Identity Certificate (TIC).

They won’t accept a passport, driver’s license, certified copy of ID, or any other form of identification.

Social Media:
You can engage with the IEC through its social media channels:

Twitter: @IECSouthAfrica

Facebook: IECSouthAfrica

Spread the word and I will see some of you come voting day.