In part two of our elections series, we share the steps you need to take if you want to vote but will be outside of South Africa’s borders on 8 May, election day. You now have the opportunity to register to vote at a South African diplomatic mission – embassy, high commission or consulate – in the country you will be visiting, so that you don’t miss the opportunity to make your voice heard.
Please note, however, that you are required to have already registered as a voter.
Also, the only day available for voting abroad is 27 April. No exceptions can be made.
If you qualify to make use of this special opportunity, you must submit a VEC 10 to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), notifying it of your intention to vote ( on 27 April 2019 ) while out of the country.
Apply online to vote overseas: https://www.elections.org.za/IECOnline/Notify-the-IEC-of-my-intention-to-vote-abroad-Step-1
The VEC 10 submissions will close at midnight on 13 March 2019.
If your VEC 10 is approved, you will vote at the indicated mission (addresses and contact info as supplied by Dirco, on Saturday 27 April between 07h00 and 21h00.
Please don’t forget your South African ID AND valid South African passport. Temporary passports are also accepted.
How to vote abroad
When can I notify the IEC of my intention to vote abroad?
Submissions are open between 26 February 2019 and midnight on 13 March 2019.
How do I submit a VEC10 notification?
The recommended method of submission is to use the IEC’s online system.
If you don’t want to submit it online, you can also download the VEC 10 form and submit it via hand delivery to the IEC’s national office in Pretoria at:
Election House
Riverside Office Park
1303 Heuwel Avenue
Centurion
0157
What must I bring when I vote abroad?
In order to vote abroad on 27 April, you must bring:
- your green, bar-coded ID book, smartcard ID, or valid temporary identity certificate; AND
- your valid South African passport or (temporary passport).
If you have any queries, please call the IEC’s call centre on 0800 11 8000 (+27 10 449-5172 for calls from outside South Africa) from 08h00 to 17h00, local time.
