How to register to vote if you are a South African abroad
“Every single vote counts.” South Africans abroad can register to vote too…
As the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) prepares to officially launch the 2024 National and Provincial Elections today (24 October), South Africans of voting age are being urged to register to vote next year. South Africans abroad can register to vote in the National Elections too.
South African citizens who live abroad (or who will be travelling abroad) who wish to vote in the next SA National Elections must be registered to vote and are required to inform the Electoral Commission of their intention to vote outside of the country… which is done via a ‘VEC 10’ form.
Find out if you qualify to vote abroad
You can submit a VEC 10 if you:
- are a registered voter (you can check if you’re registered here);
- have a valid South African identity document (green, barcoded ID book; smartcard ID, or a valid Temporary Identity Certificate).
- have a valid South African passport or (temporary passport).
South Africans abroad cannot yet submit the VEC 10 form, but you can begin the process to make sure you are registered and that you have all the necessary documents.
According to the IEC, by law voting abroad can only be cast on the date specified in the election timetable, and NO exceptions can be made.
The eight member parties of the Multi-Party Charter For South Africa are appealing to every South African who can, to register. The parties – which include the DA, IFP, FF Plus, ActionSA, ACDP, ISANCO, UIM and SNP – said in a statement this week: “We need your vote to get the Multi-Party Charter across the line. Do not stay away from the polling stations in 2024 because you believe your vote does not count: every single vote counts.”
South Africans are urged to Register, and vote in 2024.