Tips that will make voting a breeze

Just two more days and Election Day will be upon us! For some, it's an exciting time but for others fulfilling their democratic right to vote, it can be a frustrating day. Potential voters are often put off by the thought of waiting in long queues or wondering around looking for their voting station. Many are still confused about whether they are registered. Here are a few tips that won't have you giving up in despair.

Before you leave the house, check if you are registered to vote and if you are at the correct voting station. The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has set up a few handy ways of checking your voter status and voter registration details. According to the IEC's website, you can SMS your ID number to 32810 (at a cost of R1 per SMS) or call 0800 11 8000 between 8am and 5pm, Monday to Friday, to get your voter registration details. Alternatively, for those with access to the internet, you can go to the IEC's website (click here), where you can fill in your ID number and with a simple click, your information will be displayed on your screen. For the more tech savvy, there is an IEC mobile application that allows you not only to check your voter status, but also to check election results, who the party candidates are where your voting station is.

Don't forget to bring your green, bar-coded South African ID book or temporary identification certificate. You will not be allowed to vote without it so make sure you have it before you leave home!

Avoid wearing political party clothing or accessories to the voting station. This could be interpreted as an electioneering or intimidation ploy, and could create a disturbance. It might also subject you to intimidation by unruly voters.

Don't wait for the last minute to vote and avoid the crowds. If one of your concerns is waiting in long queues, then try voting during “off” hours, like between 10am and 11:30 am, and between 1:30pm and 3:30pm. Voting stations open at 7am and close at 9pm. New entrants will not be allowed into the voting station when the doors close at 9pm.

Ask questions if you're confused. Voting can be daunting, especially for first-time voters. If you need clarity about the voting process, ask the election officials. They are trained to assist you.

Take a friend, relative or loved one with to vote. If you're easily bored or frustrated by long queues and need a distraction while waiting in the queue, it is always a good idea to have someone there to make the process a little more fun. As the saying goes – time flies when you're having fun.

If you’re working, you’re entitled to a reasonable amount of time off to vote. If you’re unlucky enough to be working on Election Day, you should be given some time to vote without incurring a penalty or wage deduction.

More importantly, stay and vote. The voting process probably won't be as long as you think it's going to be. It's important to have your say!