Calling all South African youth over 16 - register now to vote on 4 November

ELECTION NEWS - The IEC is encouraging young people to exercise their democratic right by registering to vote for the upcoming Local Government Elections.

Youth Month Youth Day tomorrow, 16 June, commemorate those young South Africans who stood up to inequality and racial discrimination during the Soweto uprising in 1976.

So in keeping with the spirit of democracy, the IEC is asking young people to, once again, step forward, register and have their say at the ballot box.

Registration weekend is this coming weekend on Saturday 20 June and Sunday 21 June. Voting stations across South Africa will be open from 08:00 to 17:00 on both days.

All South Africans, especially our youth who are 16 years and older, are urged to register if it’s their first time, or to re-register if their place of ordinary residence has changed.

In addition to the Registration Weekend, citizens can also register or re-register online at www.elections.org.za or at local IEC offices.

For local government elections, you must register where you live and you can only vote at the voting station where you are registered.

Western Cape IEC Provincial Electoral Officer, Michael Hendrickse says South Africa’s democracy was built on the courage and participation of its people.

"Today’s youth inherit that legacy as well as the responsibility to protect and strengthen it. So go online or make your way to our voting stations on registration weekend. You count, your voice counts, so place your opinion in the ballot to make a difference."