Your vote is your voice: Make it heard!

South Africa has one of the youngest populations in the world. According to recent statistics by Stats SA, nearly two-thirds of our population of 53 million people is under the age of 35 and nearly 40% of our population was born after 1994.

But these statistics are not reflected in the voters’ roll. In the 2014 national elections the overall registration level was 80% of the eligible population – which is pretty high by international standards.

But while registration levels for voters older than 40 years old was over 95%, registration levels for voters aged under 30 years old was under 50% and the registration level was for voters aged 18 and 19 which was a pretty dismal 15%.

Currently there are only about 289 000 registered voters aged 18 and 19 – out of an eligible population of approximately 2 million!

That’s our challenge as we get ready to host the 2016 Municipal Elections.

If we are to ensure that our hard-won democracy continues to survive and thrive, we must get more young South Africans involved in the entire electoral process.

The good news is that when it comes to youth participation our voting statistics show that once young people are registered they have higher turnout levels than any other groups. In 2014 the turnout for voters aged 18 and 19 was 83%, which is 10% higher than the average.

So if we can just get young people to register, they are highly likely to turn up to vote on election day!

How can you help us?

1. Every vote counts! 
   Spread the word that registering and voting in this year’s Municipal Elections is not only our civic responsibility but uber cool! Those people who believe that their single vote won’t make a difference should think twice. Each vote counts in an election, especially in a “first past the post” system for ward councillors. Did you know that in the last municipal elections in 2011 almost 400 wards councillors were elected by fewer than 250 votes?
   
2. Local is lekker!
   If you think municipal elections are not as important as national elections, think again!
   Local government is at the coalface of the delivery of services and amenities throughout our country and directly affects a community’s quality of life through providing essential services such as:
   • Water
   • Electricity connections
   • Sanitation services
   • Critical infrastructure like roads and parks
   • Safety and security 
     
     
3. Your future is in your hands.
   If you don’t vote, you are leaving the future of your community, your town and your country in other peoples’ hands. Would you trust other people with your pin number for your bank card or your phone? Probably not, right? So why trust other people to decide your future? Your vote is yours – you’ve earned this awesome right by being a citizen of South Africa and turning 18. Don’t waste it.
   
   
4. Don’t’ suffer from FOMO!
   Still not convinced about whether you will vote? Ok…but at least register so that come election day you have the choice whether to vote or not. The voters’ roll for the elections closes on the day the elections are proclaimed. If you are not on the roll then there is no chance of participating – even if you want to later! So get on the roll!!
   
   
5. Use social media to show you care – and you’re cool
   When you register and vote, spread the word among your friends using social media. All the cool people will the ones showing off a selfie of their inked thumb on election day. How about you?
   
   
6. Your future is in your hands – follow our campaign
   Our election campaign is fully digital and on social media – follow the campaign on Facebook at IECSouthAfrica or on Twitter @IECSouthAfriaca and #2016MunicipalElections. Check out our adverts on Youtube and find links to all the sites and info you need at elections.org.za

Sidebar on voter registration

When: 8am to 5pm Saturday 5 March and Sunday 6 March 2016

Where: The voting station in the voting district where you ordinarily reside. Call 0800 11 8000 (7am to 9pm weekdays) or dial *120*432# or visit elections.org.za to find your correct voting station.

What do you need: Your official Home Affairs ID (either a smart ID card, a green barcoded ID book or a valid Temporary Identity Certificate)

How long: It takes just a couple of minutes – you fill in one application form and we scan your ID. That’s it!

More info: Call 0800 11 8000 or you can get hold of our Contact Centre agents via Twitter and Facebook between 7am and 9pm weekdays