South Africa, register to vote....

When I was in my "yes phase" post break up, I signed up to volunteer with the DA. There was a leaflet in the post box - I am somewhat of a compulsive volunteer-er. It wasn't an entirely shallow decision, I have huge respect for the changes that I have seen in Cape Town since the DA has been in power here, I am a big Zille fan, my local Councillor works so hard and is lovely (and I look nice in blue). Obviously there are issues with the DA as with all other political parties AND this blog is not about politics... I am just mentioning it here because this weekend, you can register to vote if, for some weird reason, you haven't already done so.  



People fought so hard to get the vote I think the least we can do is acknowledge that by casting our own vote. In our 4 elections the voter turnout has averaged 82% and was 77.3% in the 2009 election (for a comparison, the 2010 election in UK had 65.1% and in the US in 2012 57.5%). I think that is pretty good and I like being better than the UK and USA at something for a change. Let's keep that up! 

First years.... 

The Daily Maverick reports that 77% of potential voters are registered however, the worrying bit is that they say that only 22.6% of 18 - 19 year olds are registered. Are our youth apathetic? Isn't all youth - by the way - I realise that saying that makes me seem old, but it is hard not to feel old with the influx of tiny first years on campus. 

I didn't really have topic
appropriate photos... can you tell?

OK, so, vote and encourage young(er) people to vote for the first time. If for no other reason than to keep our average turnout higher than that of the UK and USA, but also because I firmly believe you have no right to moan about anything if you are too apathetic to get to the voting stations on the PUBLIC HOLIDAY that is election day. You can register on the 8 and 9th Feb. I will be there to check up on you.... OK that is only true if you live in my neighbourhood, and I will just be there, volunteering, not so much checking up on you.  

For more information about the elections or where to register check out the IEC website or call the local office of your preferred political party. Or call 0800 11 8000 (toll free from a landline) during office hours. You should also check if you are registered. 

       

Register at your correct voting station on 8/9 Feb from 8am to 5pm.

PS The DA has also put up a good fight to get South Africans living abroad the opportunity to vote, so make it worth the slog. (Again, I don't care who you vote for, just so long as you care enough about the country to vote).