Register to vote abroad: An essential guide

South African citizens residing abroad can vote in South Africa’s national elections in 2024. This privilege, however, is exclusive to national elections, and they cannot participate in provincial, regional, or municipal elections. Understanding the process and significance of voting from abroad is crucial, as it allows you to contribute to shaping the future of your homeland. Here is an essential guide explaining how you can register to vote abroad in the upcoming South African National Elections in 2024!

Why vote in South Africa’s National Elections from abroad?

Every South African citizen, regardless of geographic location, has the right and responsibility to vote in national elections. It is a fundamental aspect of democracy, enabling citizens to actively engage in decision-making processes that influence the nation’s future. Your vote matters, so seize the opportunity to participate in shaping the destiny of your country.

Eligibility criteria for voting abroad

To be eligible to vote from abroad, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be a registered voter.
• Be 18 years of age (you can register from age 16).
• Possess a valid South African ID (green barcoded ID book, smartcard ID, or a valid Temporary Identity Certificate).
• Have a valid South African passport, including a temporary passport.

Voter registration process for South African citizens abroad

South African citizens must register to vote abroad before the President of the Republic’s proclamation of the election date.

First-time voters

First-time voters not on South Africa’s voters’ roll can register online or in-person at their nearest accredited South African mission.

Previously registered voters

Those who were previously registered and moved abroad can re-register online at their accredited mission or submit an online special vote application (VEC 10) to vote out-of-country.

When do South Africans abroad cast their votes?

By law, citizens can only vote abroad on the date specified in the election timetable, typically 10 days before the in-country voting day. As of 12 February 2024, the voting dates have not yet been announced. Stay updated through official channels for any changes.

Do I need to apply for a special vote or VEC 10?

Not all voters intending to vote abroad need to apply for a special vote online (VEC 10). Only those voting at a mission where they are not registered must submit the VEC 10 application after the proclamation.

Thus, if you are registered to vote at the mission closest to you, you do not need to submit a special vote application. The VEC 10 only applies to voters that must vote at accredited missions where they are not registered to vote. This application form is made available after the proclamation of the election timetable and stays available for 15 days after the proclamation.

How do I know if I need to register to vote abroad?

To check your registration status and find your registered voting location:

• Visit the official website.
• SMS your ID number to 32810 (if in South Africa).
• Email info@elections.org.za or call 0800 11 800 (if in South Africa).

To verify if a person is registered to vote, type in the ID number on the IEC website to verify: www.elections.org.za. Click on “Check my voter registration status” and type in the ID number in the space provided.

The results will indicate whether the person is registered or not.

If the results indicate the person is registered to vote – no additional action is required for now. They do not have to travel to the Mission to register. They however will be required to complete an online “NOTIFICATION AND APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL VOTES ABROAD” Form application to indicate that they will be voting outside of the country.  The online application will available on the IEC website on the date of proclamation for a period of 15 days thereafter.

If the results indicate the person is not registered to vote, they should register on-line at IEC Home – Electoral Commission of South Africa (elections.org.za) or www.elections.org.za/pw/ , the online portal to register.

Which documents must I take with me to the mission to vote abroad?

Bring your South African ID and a valid passport to the mission you indicated in your VEC 10 application. Original documents are essential; no copies will be accepted.

Where can I find a list of all South African missions abroad?

You can find a comprehensive list of South Africa’s missions on the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) website at DIRCO’s Website. If you are not on the South African voter’s roll, you must register to vote abroad online or in person at your nearest South African mission.

If you previously registered to vote in South Africa and have since moved abroad, you can re-register online or at your nearest mission. Alternatively, you can submit a VEC 10 (special vote application), which allows you to vote abroad at an international voting station if you are only temporarily traveling abroad.

Steps to register to vote abroad

Step 1 – Check your eligibility

South African citizens who live abroad or will be abroad on election day and have a South African identity document and a valid South African passport or a valid temporary passport are eligible to vote abroad. You need to be a registered voter and be at least 18 years of age.

Step 2 – Register to vote

South Africans living abroad can register to vote at their nearest foreign mission, embassy, or consulate general, or they can register to vote online here. The online voter portal is available to first-time voters and those wanting to update their registration details.  To register, you will need a South African identity document & a valid South African passport or a valid temporary passport.

Step 3 – Confirm voting dates

The date for the elections has not yet been proclaimed, but it will fall between May and mid-August 2024. Once the election date is officially proclaimed, an election timetable will be published, which will include the date on which South Africans abroad will be able to cast their votes at foreign missions overseas.

FAQ – Your questions answered

I am registered to vote in Milnerton, Cape Town, but have since moved to Spain. What now?

If you are not registered to vote in the physical location where you currently reside, you must re-register online or in-person at your nearest South African mission. The registration process allows you to change your physical address to your current address abroad, after which you will be allowed to vote outside of South Africa in the upcoming elections.

You can register to vote online until the President proclaims the voting date, after which the voter’s roll closes, and no further registration is allowed.

Where can I see if I am registered to vote?

You can always verify your voting registration status by visiting the website of the IEC here. A quick search using your ID number also indicates where you are registered to vote.

How do I know if I need to complete a VEC 10 application?

According to the Electoral Amendment Act, Act 1 of 2023, not all South Africans abroad need to inform the IEC of their intention to vote. Only voters who intend to vote at a foreign mission or in a foreign country other than where they are currently registered must complete the VEC 10 notification. The same applies to South Africans in the country who want to vote outside of their registered voting districts. After completing the VEC 10 notification, you can track your notification’s status here.

I never registered as a voter in South Africa. What now?

South Africans who live overseas can register online to be on the voter’s roll. If you have never registered as a voter and must now do so from abroad, you can do so here before checking your status on the IEC’s Voter Information page.

Where should I register to vote?

To register to vote abroad, you must submit digital copies of your South African ID and Passport. PDF files are not accepted, so your files must be in .gif, .bmp, .jpg, or .png format.

If you live in Germany, for example, there are two voting stations. One in Berlin, and one in Munich. But if you are located closer to Amsterdam, you can register to vote there. However, you must cast your vote in Amsterdam as well. If you are located closer to the Netherlands than Berlin, for example, you are free to register in the Netherlands. But again, your vote must also be cast in the Netherlands.

There is no voting station near me. What now?

The IEC established 125 voting stations internationally in 2019. These are located at South African consulate-generals, high commissions, and embassies. South Africans overseas may only vote at designated foreign missions. These are stipulated by the Department for International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).

Unfortunately, this means that many South Africans live in areas that are located far away from the official foreign missions. In Australia, for example, the only mission is in Canberra. And in the UK, the only mission is in London. There is a petition that you can sign requesting the DIRCO to assign additional temporary foreign missions. The more people that register to vote abroad and sign the petition, the higher the odds of getting a voting station closer to your current residence.