By Various wards are up for contestation in August across the country including the Free State. The Electoral Commission (IEC) has announced 13 to 14 July as registration weekend for the by-elections.
Wards in 14 municipalities will be up for grabs on 28 August 2024 following vacancies, some due to death of a Councillor. The Commission says voting stations will open from 8am to 5pm on both days to allow all eligible voters to register and for current voters to check their registration details and to provide or update address details where necessary.
“Voters should bring their identity document (ID) with them – either a green barcoded ID book, a smartcard ID, or a valid Temporary ID Certificate. They will also need to complete their physical home address on registration or provide sufficient particularities of their place of residence. Documented proof of address (e.g. a municipal account) is not required.,” explained Kate Bapela the Spokesperson for IEC.
Special voting will take place at voting stations as well as through home visits on 27 August 2024 between 8am and 5pm. Voters wishing to apply to cast a special vote can apply at their local IEC office during office hours between 12 August 2024 and 16 August 2024.
Applications for special votes can also be made online via the IEC’s website, www.elections.org.za. Once voters have applied online they will receive an SMS notifying them of the outcome when their application has been processed. They can also check the status of their special vote application online at www.elections.org.za.
Voters can also apply for special votes via cell phone by SMSing their identity number to 32249 (charged at R1). The SMS application facility is only available for those applying to cast a special vote at their voting station and NOT for home visits.
In the Free State: Ward 07 in Ngwathe Municipality – FS203, with 4 055 registered voters, which became vacant as a result of the councillor’s death. Registration and voting will take place at the following stations
Voting District/Station Number Voting Station Details: 22740151 St Paul Apostolic Church: 22740173 Emmanuel Fellowship Centre: 22740195 Tent Next To Parys Hospital: 22740241 The African Presbeterian Church: 22800103 Mooihoek Farm: 22800114 Weiveld Agriculture And Hotel School: 22800125 Boholong Farm School.
Voters may also check and update their details at their local (municipal) Electoral Commission (IEC) office on weekdays during office hours. Alternatively, they can register as voters online 24/7 on www.registertovote.elections.co.za
