BIG deadline for South Africans voting overseas in 2024

Yesterday (Monday 22 April 2024) marked the deadline for South Africans voting overseas in 2024 to notify the authorities. In a statement issued by the Electoral Commission of South Africa, it reminded South Africans voting overseas in 2024 that they should contact their Chief Electoral Commission (CEO) timeously.

Interestingly, this doesn’t only apply to expats and those living abroad, but to anyone registered on local voter rolls who may be temporarily out of the country on election day. Likewise, the IEC reiterated that South Africans voting overseas in 2024 will only receive the national ballot, and not the other two.

SOUTH AFRICANS VOTING OVERSEAS IN 2024

At the time of writing, General Elections on Wednesday May 29 are a mere 35-days away. 30-years on from the vote that made Mzansi a democracy, this promises to be the closest election yet. Therefore, South Africans voting overseas in 2024 will do so at the Republic’s diplomatic missions 10 days ahead of the country on either Friday 17 May or Saturday 18 May (from 07h00 to 19h00).

If this pertains to you, you would have needed to apply for specific dispensation to vote. The notification to CEO that lapsed this week was intended for voters who want to vote at an accredited mission that they were not registered to vote at already.

WHAT ABOUT IN SOUTH AFRICA?

In the same breath, the Electoral Commission wishes to remind voters who need to apply for special votes, that the application process is now open. You will be able to apply for a home visit or station visit. The deadline for this is next Friday 3 May 2024. Likewise, don’t forget that voters can may only cast their vote where they are registered.

If for whatever reason, a citizen will unavoidably be away from their voting districts on election day, they must give notice of their intention to vote at another identified voting station by Friday 17 May 2024 (24-days away).

For more assistance:

• Send a WhatsApp saying ‘Hi’ to 0600 88 0000.
• Or contact the IEC’s Call Centre on 0800 11 8000.

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Will you be one of the thousands of South Africans voting overseas in 2024? Be sure to share your thoughts with our audience in the comments section below. And don’t forget to follow us @TheSANews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest updates.

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