Overseas Voting

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OVERSEAS VOTING

WILL SOUTH AFRICANS ABROAD BE ALLOWED TO VOTE IF THEY HAVE REGISTERED?

YES.

In so far as overseas voting is concerned, section 33 of the Act provides for the two categories, viz. absence from the RSA on government service or membership of the household of a person being so absent. This covers embassy staff and their households. The second category, which has been included in terms of the Act, is made up of those voters who are temporarily absent from the RSA for purposes of a holiday, a business trip, attendance of a tertiary institution or an educational visit or participation in an international sports event.

Persons in the second category must however inform the Commission within 15 days after the proclamation of the date of the election of their intended absence including their intention to vote as well as the place where they will cast their vote. Persons who wish to vote overseas must be registered in the voting district where they are ordinarily resident in South Africa, and present their green barded ID and their passport. In collaboration with the department of Foreign Affairs, work has already begun to give effect to this provision.

SPECIAL VOTING TIMETABLE FOR OVERSEAS VOTES

In terms of the Electoral Act, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) must publish an Election Timetable as soon as the President has proclaimed the election. The timetable must set out the hours and dates on which certain activities must take place. Special voting is one of these activities and therefore the Timetable will indicate the hours and date (s) on which persons must notify the chief Electoral Officer, as well as when persons can apply for special votes and on which date special votes are cast.

Important Dates

Notification for Overseas Votes (VEC 10)

11 to 26 February 2004

Before 17h00 2004

Special Votes (overseas)

07 April 2004

Voting hours in Los Angeles:

8:00 a.m. to 12:15 noon
1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Special Votes before going abroad

12 and 13 April 2004

From 09h00 to 17h00

Contact with the IEC