Special-vote applications open for eligible voters ahead of November local elections

The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) opened applications for special votes on Monday, September 21, allowing registered voters who cannot vote on election day to apply to cast ballots before November 4 or to request a home visit.

Who can apply and what a special vote is

A special vote lets registered voters who cannot reach their voting station on election day cast ballots in advance or, in qualifying cases, receive a visit from IEC officials at home. The measure is for voters who meet the IEC’s requirements and cannot vote at their registered voting station on November 4.

Categories of eligible applicants

According to the IEC guidance:

• Voters who are physically unable to travel to their voting station can apply for a home visit from IEC officials.
• Voters who can travel but will not be able to vote on November 4 may apply to cast their ballots at their registered voting station on November 2 or 3.
• Registered voters who will be outside their voting district on election day because of qualifying circumstances, including essential work, may also apply for a special vote.

How and when to apply

Applications opened on 21 September and will remain open until 5pm on October 12. Voters can apply online through IEC platforms or at their local IEC office. The IEC advised voters to check their registration details before applying.

The commission provided these contact options:

• To check registration and voting-station details, send your ID number by SMS to 32810.
• For information about voting-station special votes, send your ID number by SMS to 32249.
• The IEC call centre number is 0800 11 8000, and the commission can also be contacted via WhatsApp on 0600 880 000.

When special votes will take place

Approved special votes will take place on November 2 and 3, ahead of the November 4 local government elections.

IEC preparations for the election

The opening of special-vote applications comes as the IEC continues its election preparations. The commission has completed the publication of the final candidate lists, with 136,790 candidates cleared to contest seats across eight metropolitan municipalities, 44 district municipalities and 205 local municipalities.

The IEC is also due to hold the ballot-paper draw and the signing of the Electoral Code of Conduct on September 23, and successful candidates are scheduled to receive their certificates on September 25.

IEC Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo said the commission was satisfied with the progress of the electoral timetable, with key activities either completed or on track as preparations continue for election day.