Cape Town – The Electoral Commission (IEC) and the Department of Correctional Services are preparing for inmates’ voter registration from January 30 to February 1, 2024, ahead of the national and provincial elections.
The IEC acknowledged that numerous offenders did not keep ID documents in their possession, prompting a request for family members to facilitate the process by delivering either a green-barcoded ID, smartcard ID, or temporary identification certificate (TIC) to correctional facilities.
“The commission has been informed that due to the transfer factor for inmates, correctional centres will also be accepting IDs for inmates serving sentences in distant towns or provinces.
“These identity documents will be transferred to the relevant facilities where inmates are incarcerated,” a statement read.
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The Department of Correctional Services assured that necessary measures will be in place to safeguard the IDs.
“The South African Constitution states that every eligible adult citizen has the right to vote. Placement in a correctional facility does not abrogate this right exercised by inmates without exception since the general elections in 1999. However, a green barcode ID, a smart card ID, or TIC is a necessity for one to register as a voter,” the IEC said.
The South African Constitution upholds the right of every eligible adult citizen, including inmates, to vote.
Inmates without exception have exercised this right since the 1999 general elections.
“The Electoral Commission urges all eligible inmates to participate in the upcoming 2024 national and provincial elections by updating their voter registration details or registering as voters.”
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
