Voter Registration Information

Why do I need to register as a voter?

You must first register in order to appear on the voters’ role. The official voters’ roll will be used on Election Day to check your eligibility.

You will not be able to vote if your name does not appear on the voters’ roll.

Who can register?

You must be:

·   A citizen of Zimbabwe (male or female), and

·   Be 18 years old or older

What if I’m a so-called “Alien”?

The new Zimbabwe constitution allows the so-called “aliens” to register and vote.

To do so, you must meet the following criteria:

·   At least one of your parents were born in one of the SADC Nations: Angola, Botswana, DRC, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia or Zimbabwe, and

·   You are a current resident of Zimbabwe

You can convert your alien ID card for a national ID card at your local Registrar General’s Office or a mobile registration unit operating in your area.

Bring the following with you:

·   Current “alien” ID, and

·   A birth certificate

Where can I register to vote?

You must be a resident in the ward or constituency where you wish to register as a voter. It does not matter that you have been absent from the ward or constituency for a temporary purpose.

ZEC and the Registrar General’s Office have established four mobile registration units per district.

You can register at:

·   Any mobile registration unit or

·   At your local Registrar General’s Office on weekdays during normal working hours

What do I need to register as a voter?

You must present the following to the official registering you:

·   National identity document (passport, birth certificate or national ID)

·   Proof of residence in the constituency as noted below

You can write an affidavit (legal document) confirming where you reside. The affidavit must be sworn before a commissioner of oath—one can be found at your local Registrar General’s Office or mobile registration unit.

Note: you can also write an affidavit before an authorized police officer or religious leader or a lawyer.

Other types of proof of residence that can be used are:

For Urban Dwellers

o A certificate of occupation/title deeds or

o Lodgers permit/card or

o Rates/water statement in applicant’s name or

o Electricity statement in applicant’s name or

o Credit store statement showing the physical address of the applicant, in the respective area

o Written statement from landlord, parent or friend confirming the applicant’s address accompanied by a house card, electricity bill, rates bill or any similar document in the name of the landlord, parent or friend staying with applicant

o Sworn statement by employer or applicant confirming applicant’s address

o Hospital bill or envelopes with post markings reflecting applicant’s address and any other information or document sufficient to ascertain the applicant’s residence

For Rural/Farm Dwellers

o Any of the above or

o Confirmation by the Village Head or

o Resettlement Officer or

o Farm Owner

What if I am a member of the Diaspora?

Unfortunately, members of the Diaspora cannot register or vote outside of Zimbabwe. You are encouraged, if possible, to travel to Zimbabwe to first register, then vote.

If you are unable to travel to Zimbabwe, you are encouraged to tell friends and family to register, then vote.