Final voter registration weekend: what South Africans need to know

The Electoral Commission (IEC) is holding a final voter registration weekend on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 August, the commission said as South Africa moves toward the 2026 Local Government Elections.

Who can register

To register you must be a South African citizen and at least 16 years old (voting begins at age 18). You must present one of the following original Home Affairs documents:

• A green barcoded ID book
• A Smart ID card
• A valid Temporary Identity Certificate (TIC)

No other forms of identification will be accepted.

Where and how to register

There are several ways to register or update voting details:

• At any voting station during the registration weekend on 1 and 2 August.
• Online using the IEC’s Voter Information Portal before the election date is proclaimed.
• At your local IEC office during office hours (appointments are recommended).

The IEC says online registration can also be used to update your address, apply for a special vote, confirm your voting station and view important election dates.

When to update your details

The IEC advises registered voters to update their information if any of the following apply:

• You have moved to a new address.
• Your registered address is incomplete or incorrect.
• You have received a new ID number.
• Your ward or voting district boundaries have changed.

Keeping details current helps ensure you can vote at the correct voting station on election day.

How to check your registration status

If you are unsure whether you are registered, the IEC provides multiple options:

• Visit the IEC website or the Voter Information Portal.
• SMS your South African ID number to 32810.
• Use the IEC WhatsApp chatbot on 060 088 0000.
• Call the IEC’s toll-free call centre on 0800 11 8000 (when available).
• Use the IEC mobile app.
• Visit your voting station during the registration weekend.

Next step after registration weekend

After the registration weekend concludes, the IEC expects the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs to announce the official date for the 2026 Local Government Elections.