IEC urges young voters to register ahead of local government elections

KNYSNA NEWS - National voter registration weekend for the 2026 local government elections has arrived.

The voter registration weekend will take place on 20 and 21 June, with voting stations across South Africa open from 8am to 5pm on both Saturday and Sunday.

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) is encouraging young people to exercise their democratic right by registering to vote ahead of the upcoming local government elections on Wednesday 4 November.

All South Africans, particularly young people aged 16 years and older, are encouraged to register if it is their first time or to re-register if their place of ordinary residence has changed.

It is important to understand that, in these elections, residents will vote for their ward councillors. This is the people they will rely on when problems arise in their neighbourhood, when service delivery issues need attention, or when their communities need a voice at council level.

This is an opportunity to choose someone residents trust to represent their ward. Citizens are therefore encouraged to ensure their names appear on the voters' roll so that their voices can be heard.

In addition to the registration weekend, residents can also register or update their details online at www.elections.org.za or at their local IEC offices.

For local government elections, voters must register where they live and may only vote at the voting station where they are registered.

The IEC reminded residents that updating their residential address is essential to ensure they are registered at the correct voting station.

If you need help with voter registration or voting information, contact the IEC call centre in any of South Africa's 11 official languages on 0800 11 8000, send an email to [email protected] or visit www.registertovote.elections.org.za.

If you haven't already registered to vote online, visit the Electoral Commission of South Africa's (IEC) website to find out where you can go in person to register on 20 and 21 June.

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