November 3, 15:40IOL

South African Youth Declares Intent to Participate in Elections Despite Existing Problems

A young man from Umlazi shares his views on the country's current problems while emphasizing his belief in its future and his decision to vote.

Reasons for Voting

He explains that he is voting because he maintains a conviction in the possibility of improving his country. Although many of his peers find it easy to stay home, believing their vote will change nothing, he believes that change will not happen without active action. For him, voting is the only tool available to demand better, and he votes for hope, opportunity, and the South Africa they were promised.

He notes that he is concerned about the vast potential being lost in the country. Youth unemployment, for him, is not just a statistic but a reality of his life and the lives of those around him. He sees qualified and capable young people in Umlazi who have stopped looking for work after receiving too many rejections.

What Worries Me About My Country Today

Furthermore, he is troubled by the low quality of public service delivery. The question arises as to how one can study, work, or run a business if one constantly has to worry about the availability of water, electricity, and basic utilities. It is difficult for him to feel pride in the country when the condition of roads and clinics in his township demonstrates that residents are not a priority. This causes him a sense of despondency.

How He Wants to Make a Difference

He aims to change the situation without standing aside. He wishes to participate in rebuilding his community from within, whether through volunteering, mentoring younger people, or simply using his vote to advocate for justice. He wants to be part of the solution to the problems. Despite being just one young man from Umlazi, he believes that the future of South Africa will be built by young people who care enough to try.

Amanda Moskeri is an intern journalist undergoing a year-long national certification in journalism at Ridgeview Academy. It should be noted that the opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the view of the publication IOL.

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g1.globo.comOctober 25, 21:31

Retired woman with broken leg votes in Limeira school and needs assistance due to lack of ramp

Despite having a fractured leg, the retired woman Cecília Prado, 70 years old, managed to exercise her right to vote at the State School Brasil, located in Limeira, in the state of São Paulo. It is important to note that the educational unit does not have ramps for access to its interior, presenting only stairs.

To manage to go up and down the necessary steps to vote, Cecília Prado needed assistance from other people. She reported the difficulty, stating: 'I broke my leg and it's hard to climb. Luckily I found an acquaintance.'

Generations Meet

In another spot, Marina, who is 96 years old, attended the polling place accompanied by friends and family, including Venicio Gonçalves, 86 years old, José Maria Teixeira, 88 years old, Clementina, 85 years old, and her grandson, Thiago Teixeira, 42 years old.

Observations on Voting Day

Maria Vieira, a 73-year-old voter with emphysema, went to the State School 'Professor Willian Silva' in Limeira (SP) to vote in the second round of the elections this Sunday (2). Despite her health condition, she attended the location. She observed that the movement was very calm, describing the environment as completely empty, which contrasted with the perceived crowding on previous occasions, questioning the reason for this tranquility.

Context of the 2026 Elections

The electoral disputes include Senator Flávio Bolsonaro (PL) and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT), who seeks re-election. In the first round, held on October 4th, Flávio obtained 47.03% of the votes, surpassing the 45.16% registered by Lula.

For checking polling locations, the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) advises voters to use its website, filling in data such as CPF or voter registration number, date of birth, and mother's name. This will reveal the electoral domicile, specifying zone, section, address, and municipality.

Documents Required to Vote

It is mandatory to present an official photo ID to prove identity and gain access to the voting machine, in addition to signing the ballot and receiving the voting receipt. Although not mandatory, the voter registration card helps the citizen by indicating the electoral section. Accepted documents include RG, social identity card, work card, driver's license (CNH), passport or legal equivalent, and professional category cards recognized by law. Documents may be expired, as long as the voter's identification is possible; birth and marriage certificates are not valid because they do not have a photo.

The voter can also carry a paper with the electoral code, containing their candidates' numbers. The TSE strictly prohibits the use of cell phones, tablets, radio communicators, cameras, or other electronic devices inside the voting booth to record or disclose the choice. However, the device can be used to display the e-Title, which must be given to the poll worker at the time of voting; it is illegal to photograph or film one's own or others' electoral process.

Voting Procedure

The process consists of typing the desired candidate's number into the electronic voting machine and verifying that the name and photo are correct. If there is an error, the 'correct' key allows entering the correct number. Upon pressing 'confirm', the machine emits a confirmation sound, making subsequent alteration impossible. If the voter chooses not to vote for anyone, they can select 'blank' and then 'confirm'; a blank vote is not counted as valid, serving only for statistics. There is also the null vote, which occurs when a number that does not correspond to any candidate or party is entered and confirmed.