The Independent Electoral Commission has issued a ‘clarion call to all of South Africans’ to go out and vindicate their democratic right to vote today.

More than 83% of persons approved to vote by special vote, cast their ballots this weekend.

The IEC says while it is pleased with the turnout over the weekend, voters who were unable to cast a special vote for whatever reason, may still vote at their voting stations today.

There are 26.2 million eligible voters, with a network of over 23 000 voting stations which will open at 07h00 and close at 21h00.

Eligible voters who are at the voting station at 21h00 will not be turned away.

The Commission has reminded all eligible voters that:

• Voters must vote where they are registered. In local government elections, you may vote at the voting station where you are registered.
• Voters must be in possession of a valid South African identity document. Home Affairs office are open today to allow voters to collect ID documents as well as apply for temporary identification certificates.
• Each voter in a metropolitan municipality will receive two ballot papers – one for their ward candidate and one for a political party. In addition, voters in local municipalities will receive a third ballot paper for the district council.
• Each ballot paper must be stamped on the reverse to indicate the authenticity of the ballot during the counting process.
• It is prohibited for a voter to take a photograph of their marked ballot paper. This arrangement is necessary to protect the secrecy of the choice of voters.

The Commission reassures voters that voting stations will be safe because the following protocols are in place:

• The Commission will ensure compliance with Covid-19 protocols within the boundaries of the voting stations.
• Electoral staff will be provided with the necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to minimise the risk of contagion or spreading of the virus. PPE will include the following:
  Face masks
  Disposable sanitizer wipes
  Hand sanitising liquids
  Disposable litterbins with lids

The following acceptable methods to prevent the spread of COVID-19 will be enforced:

• Maintaining social distancing by observing distance of at least 1,5 meter away from other persons.
•  Sanitising frequently touched surfaces.
• Pens will be provided and disinfected after each use. However, voters are encouraged, should they wish to do so because of Covid-19, to bring their own pens.