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Voting in Elections

The Constitution gives everyone who is 18 years or older the right to vote – in secret – in elections. The Electoral Amendment Act (No 34 of 2003) says a person who is a South African citizen, has a bar-coded ID, and is 16 years old can apply to register as a voter. Their name can only be placed on the voter’s roll once he or she reaches the age of 18 years.