Voting Day Rules: What To Avoid At Your Voting Station

Protect your vote by taking the correct ID, checking your ballot papers and keeping your marked ballot private.

The supplied voting guidance also warns against campaigning inside voting station boundaries, interfering with other voters or disrupting election officials.

Here are the key mistakes to avoid.

Do Not Photograph Your Marked Ballot

Taking a photograph or selfie showing your marked ballot is prohibited to protect voting secrecy.

If you want to share your participation on social media, photograph your inked thumb instead.

Do Not Add Personal Details To Your Ballot

Do not write your name or ID number on your ballot paper, or sign the paper.

Keep your voting mark clear and avoid unnecessary markings which risk invalidating your ballot.

Check For The Official Stamp

Before marking your ballot papers, check the back of each one for the official stamp.

The supplied guidance states unstamped ballots are invalid. Ask an election official for assistance if a stamp is missing.

Ask For A Replacement If You Make A Mistake

Do not place a ballot containing a mistake in the ballot box.

Alert the Presiding Officer, who will cancel the affected paper and issue a replacement. Ask for help before depositing the ballot.

Take An Accepted ID Document

A driving licence, passport or photocopy of your ID is not accepted for voting.

Take one of the following:

A green barcoded South African ID book.
A smart ID card.
A valid Temporary Identification Certificate.

Check you have the original accepted document before leaving home.

Go To Your Registered Voting Station

Do not assume you are entitled to vote at any station.

For the municipal elections described in the supplied guidance, you must vote at the station where you are registered. Confirm the location before travelling.

Do Not Campaign Inside The Station Boundary

Political campaigning, canvassing and attempts to influence other voters are prohibited inside the marked voting station boundary.

Respect the boundary and follow election officials’ directions.

Respect Other Voters’ Privacy And Access

Do not look into another person’s voting booth or try to see their marked ballot.

Do not obstruct anyone trying to reach the voting station. Give other voters the space and privacy to make their choices.

Do Not Bring Weapons Or Disrupt Officials

The supplied guidance prohibits weapons inside voting station boundaries.

Do not interfere with ballot papers, voting materials or election staff. The warning also applies to officials conducting home visits.

If you have a concern or need assistance, raise the issue with an election official. Keep access clear and allow staff to carry out their duties.

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