South African citizens abroad: Here’s how you can vote in 2024 general elections

If you are a South African citizen abroad, and you wish to vote in the 2024 general elections, you are required to inform the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) of your intention to vote outside of the country’s borders.

Or if you live in South Africa and are a registered voter, but will be abroad on the day that voting takes place in South Africa, you can either vote abroad on the date specified in the timetable (usually a week before Election Day in SA), or you can apply for a special vote.

ALSO READ: IEC addresses top reasons and importance of Voter Registration

WHAT IS A SPECIAL VOTE FOR SOUTH AFRICAN CITIZENS ABROAD?

To apply for a special vote, you must make an appointment at the local IEC office responsible for your voting district. Following the proclamation whereby the president announces the date of elections, there will be a two-week window period during which overseas voters must submit a VEC10 form via the IEC website.

Failure to submit the VEC10 form within the window period will render one unable to vote abroad. 

ALSO READ: Voter registration: What you need to bring to the registration stations?

What to do if your name is not on the voter’s roll?

If you registered to vote at your mission prior to the general elections but are not listed as being a registered voter, then you may email info@elections.org.za with a scan of your identity document and passport with that you registered so that the IEC can investigate the matter, says the electoral body.

ALSO READ: IEC to launch online voter registration for ex-pats

WHAT DOCUMENTS SHOULD YOU BRING?

Please take both your South African ID (green, bar-coded South African ID book, smart ID card, or valid Temporary Identity Certificate) AND your valid South African passport with you to the mission that you indicated you would be voting at in your VEC10 application. Both documents are essential. Only original documents can be accepted – no copies.

ALSO READ: Extended Home Affairs hours for ID collection ahead of voter registration

List of SA’s foreign missions, including high commissions, embassies and consulates

A full list of South Africa’s missions is available on the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) website at www.dirco.gov.za/webmissions/index.html.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES BY GCINA NTSALUBA