Voting for the first time in 2024? Check our voting tips for newbies

Uncertain, overwhelmed, and stressed. New voters might experience these feelings on election day 29 May 2024. Here are a few guidelines to be fully prepared for the big day.

What to do on voting day

• If you suspect that a party or a candidate has breached the Electoral Code of Conduct, you need to report the incident to the Electoral Court, according to the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC). In case of any irregularities at the voting station, you can ask the presiding officer and let them know that you want to object. The officer will give you the relevant form to fill in for the matter to be investigated.
• It is important to make sure that you receive three ballots (national, regional, and provincial) and not just two as in the past, according to the South African government’s website. The blue ballot paper is the national ballot, the orange ballot paper will be the regional ballot and the pink ballot paper will be the provincial ballot. 
• It is important to make sure that you are registered to vote as well as which voting station you are registered to vote at. This can be confirmed on the IEC website by typing in your ID number at the link. Take a screenshot of your voter status to present if need be.
• Make sure to bring your proof of registration with you because if your name does not appear on the voter’s roll, you will have to prove that you are registered to vote.
• The IEC requires that everyone who wants to vote must show the polling officer a valid green South African ID book with a barcode, ID card, or a temporary identification certificate to vote. A temporary ID certificate is issued by the Department of Home Affairs to those who have lost or have not yet received their ID book.
• Make sure that your ID is stamped, and your thumbnail is inked.
• The IEC said that if you made a mistake on your ballot paper you need to ask the presiding officer for a new ballot paper. Make sure that your old papers are marked ‘cancelled’.
• Nedbank gave South Africans a few tips to make voting a breeze. These include wearing comfortable clothes because the queues might be long. Pack water and snacks and take an umbrella because you might have to stand in the sun.
• To ensure that you mark your ballots correctly (with a cross), familiarise yourself with the names and emblems of the political parties by doing some studying beforehand.
• Ensure that you bring a black pen along in case your voting station does not have enough.

What not to do on voting day

• You are not allowed to vote on behalf of someone else, according to Daily Maverick.
• Do not make more than one mark on a ballot paper. Remember the IEC’s famous phrase: “One ballot, one mark.”
• Do not let anyone follow you into the ballot booth – you should make the decision alone.
• Do not try to vote outside of the times provided. Make sure to vote between 07:00 and 21:00 on 29 May 2024.
• The IEC said to not interrupt the work of voting station staff.
• Do not bring any weapons to the voting station.
• Do not campaign for your political party or candidates within the boundaries of the voting station.
• Do not take a photographic image of marked ballot papers. Rather take a picture of your inked thumb if you want to post about your voting experience.

Nica-May van Zyl & Nsuku Shiluvana