How to mark your ballot papers today so your vote isn't spoilt
You'll get two or three colour-coded ballot papers today. Here's how the IEC says to mark them, what spoils a vote and what to do if you make a mistake.
Make one clear X next to your choice on each ballot paper, check every paper is stamped on the back, and ask the presiding officer for a new one if you make a mistake. That is the IEC's guidance for today's local government elections.
How many ballot papers will I get?
It depends on where you are registered, according to the IEC.
| Where you vote | Ballot papers | Colours and what they are for |
|---|---|---|
| Metro (e.g. Joburg, Tshwane, Cape Town, eThekwini) | 2 | Grey: ward councillor. Green: metro council PR (party) |
| Local municipality | 3 | Grey: ward councillor. Green: local council PR (party). Yellow: district council PR (party) |
Source: Electoral Commission of South Africa
The grey ward ballot can include independent candidates as well as party candidates. The PR ballots are for parties only. Each paper is a separate vote and must be marked on its own.
How should I mark the ballot?
Make one X in the box next to the candidate or party you choose, on each paper. The IEC says marking more than one choice, or adding extra marks, may result in a spoilt ballot.
An X is recommended because counting officials look at the centre of the cross if it overlaps another box, an IEC official told EWN. Other marks such as a tick can count as long as your choice is clear, according to the IEC's voter education guide/).
What makes a ballot spoilt?
The IEC lists these problems:
| Problem | Result |
|---|---|
| More than one choice marked on a paper | May be spoilt |
| Extra marks that make your choice unclear | May be spoilt |
| No official stamp on the back | Regarded as spoiled |
Check the back of every paper for the stamp before you go into the booth, an IEC official told Sowetan.
What if I make a mistake?
Don't try to fix it yourself. If you notice before the paper goes into the box, ask the presiding officer for a new ballot, and make sure the wrong one is marked "cancelled", the IEC says. Once a ballot is in the box it can't be taken out.
Can I take a photo of my ballot?
No. Cameras and photography are not allowed around voting booths, to protect the secrecy of the vote, Sowetan reports. Fold each paper so your mark can't be seen and put it in the correct box.
What if I am blind or need help?
Every voting station has single and double column Universal Ballot Templates so visually impaired voters can vote in secret, the IEC says. The IEC's election hotline is 0800 11 8000, according to its voter education guide/).
FAQ
How many ballot papers do I get in a metro?
Two: a grey ward ballot and a green metro PR ballot.
Can I use a tick instead of an X?
The IEC recommends an X, but other marks can count as long as your choice is clear.
Can I get a new ballot if I make a mistake?
Yes, ask the presiding officer before the paper goes into the box. Once it is in the box it can't be removed.