VOTING ABROAD

*** ELECTION DAY IS:  7 MAY 2014 ***

VOTING ABROAD

How to register and vote abroad

The Electoral Amendment Act 2013 gives all South African citizens the right to register and vote abroad in national elections.

How do I register abroad?

To vote in elections in South Africa you must be a registered voter. If you are already registered to vote in South Africa (check your registration status online), you don’t have to re-register.

If you aren't registered, you will need to visit your nearest South African embassy, high commission, or consulate; and bring both a green, bar-coded South African ID book, smartcard ID or valid Temporary Identity Certificate (TIC) AND your valid South African passport.  Once the Special Registration Officer has verified that you're eligible to apply, you will complete a registration form and will then be given a Proof of Registration Application form. This is not proof of registration, but only that you applied. You can confirm your registration status online at www.elections.org.za/content/For-voters/My-voter-registration-details 7 working days after applying.

When can I register abroad?

You can register at your nearest South African embassy, high commission, or consulate during their normal working hours until 7 February 2014. You can also register during the special registration weekends of 18/19 January and 25/26 January (please phone for opening hours). No registration applications can be accepted after 7 February.

How do I apply to vote abroad?

In order to vote abroad, registered voters must complete a VEC10 form online (only available once the election date has been proclaimed). You will have 15 days from the proclamation date to submit the form. This form notifies us of your intention to vote abroad and indicates at which embassy, high commission or consulate you will vote. We will then send you an email or text message to let you know if you qualify to vote abroad.

How do I vote abroad?

If you submit your online VEC10 form and we notify you that you qualify to vote abroad, you will vote at the embassy, high commission or consulate you selected when you applied. You must take your green, bar-coded South African ID book, ID smartcard or valid Temporary Identity Certificate (TIC) AND your valid South African passport.

Can I vote before I leave South Africa?

If you will be abroad on election day and would like to vote in South Africa a few days before election day, you can make an appointment to apply for a special vote at your municipal electoral office.

Source: IEC