{
  "id": 16847506,
  "title": "Braais can wait, every vote matters on 4 November",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/28/braais-can-wait-every-vote-matters-on-4-november",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-28T04:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/news/opinion/braais-can-wait-every-vote-matters-on-4-november/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The allure of apathy is strong on election days; people may view voting as irrelevant and opt for leisure activities like braais and beers instead. However, this perspective has evolved over time. During the 1990s, when the ANC held sway over South African politics, the notion that individual votes didn't matter held some truth. Today, the formerly dominant party is weakened, and upcoming local government elections could further diminish its influence. If you're on the fence about this outcome or wish to prevent it, abstaining from voting won't contribute positively. Engaging with the polling process is crucial, regardless of whether you want to bolster your preferred party or support an independent candidate in your area. It's disheartening that one in 50 votes are rendered invalid, potentially costing a seat in a council to a deserving individual who could have made a difference. While some may resist being instructed on civic responsibilities, this is your duty to fellow citizens. It's incumbent upon you to fulfill your obligations correctly, as your vote can significantly impact the outcome.",
  "summary": "We know South Africans don't like being told what to do - but this is your civic duty.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}