Voters urged to apply early for special votes

10 September 2026 | Dizindaba Reporter | Western Cape

Voters who may be unable to cast their ballots on Election Day are urged to apply for a special vote before the deadline.

South Africans who are unable to vote at their registered voting station on 4 November 2026, the Local Government Elections Day, can apply for a special vote to cast their ballot on 2 or 3 November 2026.

Applications for special votes will be open from 21 September to 12 October 2026.

Voters can apply online through the IEC website, send their ID number by SMS to 32249 at a cost of R1 per SMS, or collect and submit a completed Special Vote Application form at their local IEC office.

Provincial Electoral Officer Michael Hendrickse reminded voters that applying in advance is compulsory.

“Voters cannot simply walk in to 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,” Hendrickse said.

Applicants will receive an SMS informing them of the outcome of their application. Those who do not receive approval for a special vote can still vote on 4 November, provided they are registered at that voting station.

The IEC also reminds voters that, for the Local Government Elections, they can only vote at the voting station in the voting district where they are registered.

To check your voting station, visit www.elections.org.za, WhatsApp “Hi” to 0600 88 0000 and follow the prompts, SMS your ID number to 32810 (R1 per SMS), or contact the IEC Contact Centre on 0800 11 8000.

Voters are reminded that no prior application is required to vote on Election Day, 4 November 2026.