Municipal elections are taking place on 1 November 2021 and voter registration weekend is taking place from 18 – 19 September 2021. According to The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), ‘voting gives you an opportunity to be part of decision-making that affects your life and the future of our country. If you don’t vote, others will make the decisions for you’.
The IEC lists just some of the many reasons to vote:
1. It is your money
You pay taxes (even when you just buy a loaf of bread), but do you know how that money is being spent? Most people don’t. Voting is your chance to choose how your taxes are spent – such as funding for social services, healthcare and schooling.
2. Democracy needs you
Democracy only works if people participate. That sounds obvious, but unless people actively participate in the process, democracy doesn’t work. It takes constant renewal among citizens to make democracy flourish.
3. Voting is an opportunity for change
If you’re thinking that right now you’ve got better things to do with your time and you’ll vote next time, think again! Five years is a long time to be stuck with something that you don’t want or doesn’t work. Just imagine what it would be like to be stuck with the same cellphone for five years, especially one with limited features. Just think how many cellphone upgrades you are going to get before you get the chance to upgrade your government.
4. Not voting is giving up your voice
Elections are decided by the people who go out and vote. If you don’t vote, someone else will make the decision for you. If you don’t vote, you get stuck with other people’s choices – and you can’t even complain about it because you let it happen. By participating in the electoral process as a voter, you get a say in how things are done for the next five years. Your power is in your vote.
Ways to register to vote:
– Voter Stations on the weekend of 18-19 September 2021 from 8am-5pm. Find your voting station here. Remember to bring your SA ID book, card or valid temporary ID, and ensure that you are wearing a mask to be safe.
– Register to vote online.
IEC
0800 11 8000
https://registertovote.elections.org.za
