South African Social Attitudes Survey (SASAS) 2015: IEC Voter Participation Survey - All provinces

Description:
Topics covered in the questionnaire are: democracy and governance issues, municipal attitudes and performance, Identity documents, voter registration, voting history, most recent voting experience, voting irregularities, general perceptions on voting, electronic voting, perceptions of voting in terms of special groups, media and information issues with regard to the profile of the electoral commission, voter education, interest in social/cultural/religious organisations.

Of the targeted population of 3500, 2976 responses (85%) was realized.

The data set for dissemination contains 2976 cases and 579 variables
Abstract:
The Electoral Commission's Voter Participation Survey (VPS) is a nationally representative, cross-sectional survey that was conducted by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) between October and December 2015. The study aims to inform and guide the Commission with its plans, policies, and practices by evaluating voting behaviour and interest ahead of the 2016 local government elections. In this study, the broader political landscape in South Africa is examined together with factors that might impact voting behaviour, such as perception about the performance of government and attitudes towards democratic values. Specific issues, such as the involvement of women, youth and persons with disabilities in elections, are also examined.

For this study, 500 Population Census Small Area Layers (SALs) were sampled as primary sampling units, stratified by province, geographical sub-type, and majority population group. A total of 2,976 individuals aged 16 and older were interviewed in households which are geographically spread across the country's nine provinces. The data are weighted and benchmarked to Statistics South Africa's mid-year population estimates for 2015 to ensure that the results are representative of the population older than 15 years. Adherence to ethical and quality protocols was stringent. This survey represents the views of 37 320 005 South Africans of 16 years and older.