IEC Launches New Online Voter Registration Service
Traditionally, voter registration involved making queues at the voting stations during the specified office hours and on weekends. This took its toll on several citizens in terms of convenience and time freedom. But that is no more—IEC has now been able to achieve its goal of making the voting process convenient and easily accessible.
This is through their newly launched online voter registration service as of July 2021. This facility allows first-time voters to conveniently register, and existing voters to update their registration details in the comfort of their homes or elsewhere.
IEC Launches New Online Voter Registration Service
The Independent Electoral Commission has introduced a convenient online voter registration service, making it easier for all eligible voters to register. This online voter registration facility is in accordance with IEC’s ongoing commitment to providing better accessibility and convenience to voters.
This is after the implementation of a range of other digital service channels over the past 5 years including online party funding declarations, online special vote applications, and online candidate nominations.
The commission believes that the online service will be revolutionary in promoting voter registration numbers, especially among the youth and first-time voters, and so far, that has been the case. This portal is designed to be a one-stop portal where voters can register, check their registration details, or update their information without having to visit your voting station or IEC office. This serves to maximize registration and minimize congestion in these areas.
Moreover, due to the accessible nature of the online registration service, voters are allowed to register or update their details up to the last possible day of proclamation. It was designed such that you can use it on any device with a browser. Moreover, it uses less data compared to other apps since you do not have to download it.
How do I Register to Vote Online?
The portal is open 24/7 so whenever you are ready to register, these are the steps to follow:
- Visit the registration portal at https://registertovote.elections.org.za on your browser.
- Once on the website, locate the option “Register to vote now” and click the button. This initiates the registration process.
- Enter your personal details including your full name, ID number, phone number, date of birth, and any other required details in the required fields.
- Enter the One Time Password sent to your phone. This is to securely verify your identity.
- Provide your accurate address information—you can search via the provided tool or if you registering from home, you can utilize the current location feature on your device. This will accurately input your address details.
- Submit ID as proof of identity. You can choose to submit a clear photo of your ID or upload a scanned copy of your ID. This is a requirement to complete the verification process.
To know that you have successfully registered as a voter, you will receive an SMS notification within 24 hours from IEC.
Also Check: IEC Application Form For Employment Online
What are the Benefits of Online Voter Registration?
The availability of an online method of voter registration comes with tons of benefits.
Convenience
With the online registration option, you can conveniently go through the process in the comfort of your home or wherever there is internet access. This means that you do not have to make long queues at the registration centers.
Accessibility
Unlike the traditional method that involved making queues at a specified time during the weekends, the portal is accessible 24/7. You can easily register at your own time without being bound by office hours.
Efficiency
The voter registration website is a one-stop portal that allows you to register as a voter as well as update your details. It is also designed to be quick and streamlined, saving you both effort and time compared to the conventional methods.
Verification
The online registration process adopts OTPs and ID verification to ensure the security and integrity of the registration process. This contributes greatly to the reduction in the likelihood of fraudulent registrations.
Also Check: IEC Registration Staff Vacancies
Conclusion
Voter registration has never been easier. Through the introduction of the online voter registration service by the Independent Electoral Commission, the entire process is a breeze. Embrace the convenience of online registration as you exercise your democratic rights effortlessly.
