24 August 2026  | Press Release

MEDIA STATEMENT – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Early Voting Application: Apply to the IEC before the time to vote at your voting station on 2 or 3 November in the 2026 Local Government Elections 

While Election Day is on 4 November 2026 when all South Africans can vote at the voting stations where they are registered, there is an opportunity to apply for a special vote in order to vote on 2 or 3 November 2026. 

To qualify voters must apply to the IEC: 

When: Between 21 September 2026 and 12 October 2026 

How: Online at www.elections.org.za ; or sending your ID number to via sms to 32249 (R1.00 per sms); or collecting and then submitting completed Special Vote Application forms at the local IEC Office (to find a local IEC Office, go to www.elections.org.za ) 

Who: To qualify for a Special Vote at your Voting Station where you are registered, any voter who, for whatever reason, cannot make it to their voting station on 

Election Day. 

You will receive an SMS notification on the outcome once the application has been processed. If you do not receive a response, you can then still vote on Election Day (4 November) at your voting station said Michael Hendrickse, Provincial Electoral Officer: “This opportunity to vote on 2 or 3 November is based on the voter applying for a special vote in the period as set out in the Election Timetable. Voters cannot simply walk into the voting station without having applied and having received a response from the IEC. Only the IEC can receive and approve a special vote application, not any candidate or political party.” 

Prior application is a prerequisite, irrespective of age, occupation etc., to ensure that the IEC can put in place the necessary staff and logistic arrangements to serve the voters who have applied. 

Voters are assured that no prior application is required if they are voting on Election Day 4 November 2026. 

Citizens are reminded that for Local Government Elections, a voter can only vote at the voting station in the voting district where they are registered. 

To find out your voting station: 

 • Website: www.elections.org.za 

• WhatsApp ‘Hi’ to 0600 88 0000 an follow the prompts 

• sms your ID number to 32810 (R1.00m per sms) 

• Contact Centre: 0800 11 8000