South African officials are urging citizens aged 18 and 19 to register to vote through a new campaign in Eldorado Park.
Low participation among the youngest eligible voters threatens to sideline a significant demographic during the democratic process. If a large portion of the youth population remains unregistered, their specific needs and perspectives may be underrepresented in government policy and legislative priorities.
The Electoral Commission of South Africa, known as the IEC, is promoting the message "Get Up, Show Up" to encourage registration. SABC reporter Sakina Kamwendo said the drive in Eldorado Park is attempting to bridge the gap between eligibility and active registration.
Data indicates a significant disparity in registration among the youth. More than 70% [1] of eligible 18- to 19-year-olds are currently not registered to vote [1]. This gap suggests a disconnect between the legal right to vote and the actual exercise of that right among new adults.
Efforts in Eldorado Park focus on making the registration process accessible and emphasizing the importance of civic duty. By targeting these specific age groups, the IEC aims to reverse the trend of youth apathy and ensure a more inclusive electoral roll. The campaign seeks to transform the "Get Up, Show Up" slogan into a tangible increase in registration numbers across the region.
“More than 70% of eligible 18- to 19-year-olds are currently not registered to vote.”
The high rate of non-registration among 18- and 19-year-olds suggests a systemic barrier or a lack of engagement among South Africa's youngest voters. While the 'Get Up, Show Up' campaign addresses the visibility of registration, the 70% gap indicates that simple awareness may not be enough to overcome the socio-economic or administrative hurdles facing youth in areas like Eldorado Park.
