LGE 2026: How to apply for a special vote before November 4

Voters unable to cast their ballots on November 4 can apply for special votes from September 21, with applications closing at 5pm on October 12, the IEC says.

With South Africa’s local government elections less than two months away, voters who will be unable to cast their ballots on November 4 can apply for special votes from September 21.

Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo said applications would open on September 21 and close at 5pm on October 12.

Mamabolo said special votes would cater to registered voters who could not vote at their voting station on election day because of their circumstances.

Voters who are physically unable to travel to their voting station can apply for a home visit.

Those who can travel to their voting station but will be unable to vote on November 4 can apply to cast their ballots at their registered voting station on November 2 or 3.

The IEC has also made provision for registered voters who will be outside their voting district on election day because of qualifying circumstances, including essential work.

Voters can apply through the IEC’s online platforms or at their local IEC office.

Mamabolo also provided the commission’s voter-service details for those seeking information or checking their registration details.

For a voting-station special vote, voters can send their ID number by SMS to 32249.

To check voter registration and voting-station details, voters can send their ID number by SMS to 32810.

Voters should ensure that their registration details are correct before applying for a special vote.

Approved special votes will be cast on November 2 and 3, ahead of the November 4 election.

Voters approved for home visits will be visited at the address recorded for the special vote, while those approved for voting-station special votes will cast their ballots at their registered voting station.