Special Voting Begins: Essential Information for South African Voters

Special Voting Opens for 2026 Local Elections

South Africans approved for special voting are casting their ballots today and tomorrow ahead of the general local government elections on November 4, 2026. The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has emphasized that all voters should prepare thoroughly to help ensure a smooth election process.

Who Can Participate in Special Voting?

The IEC has approved more than 2.6 million voters for special voting nationwide. This provision is intended for registered voters who are physically infirm, disabled, or unable to be present at their voting station on election day. Of these approved voters, 678,525 have arranged for home visits from IEC officials, while 1,976,542 will cast their special votes at their usual registered stations.

How to Check Your Special Voting Status

• Send an SMS to 32711 (at R1 per message) to confirm your special voting approval.
• Check with the IEC Contact Centre or via the official website.

Voting Days: When and Where

Special voting is taking place on Monday, November 2 and Tuesday, November 3, between 8am and 5pm at designated polling stations for those approved. Only voters who have received special voting approval from the IEC are eligible to participate on these days.

Document Requirements

Voters must present an acceptable South African identity document in order to vote. The IEC accepts the following forms of identification:

• South African Smart ID Card
• Green barcoded South African ID book
• Valid Temporary Identity Certificate issued by the Department of Home Affairs

Without the proper document, you will not be permitted to cast a ballot.

Locating Your Voting Station

To avoid delays, the IEC encourages voters to check their voting station details and have their voter-roll sequence number ready before arriving to vote. This helps election officials locate your name quickly and speed up the process. Voters can confirm their station in multiple ways:

• WhatsApp: 0600 88 0000
• IEC Contact Centre: 0800 11 8000
• SMS “voting station details” to 32810 (R1 per SMS)
• Official IEC website: www.elections.org.za

The Contact Centre operates from 7am to 7pm during special voting, and will extend hours to 9pm on election day, Wednesday, November 4.

If You Miss Your Home Visit

The IEC has made it clear that election officials will only attempt home visits once for each approved special voter. Voters not present for their home visit will not receive a second visit. However, you will still be able to participate in the main election day on November 4 at your registered station.

“Voters who miss the home visit by the election officials on 2 and 3 November are not disenfranchised. Such voters can still visit their voting station on 4 November 2026 to exercise their right to vote.”

If you have been approved for a home visit, make sure to remain at your registered address until you have been assisted during the two-day special voting window.

What Happens to Special Votes Before Election Day?

All special ballots cast on Monday and Tuesday will be securely stored and will not be counted until polling closes on November 4. The IEC will reconcile these ballots with official records before opening them, and counting will proceed together with ballots cast on the regular election day. Political party representatives and accredited observers are permitted to monitor all stages of the process to ensure transparency.

Weather Warnings for Voters

Weather can impact election logistics. The IEC has warned voters that rainfall is possible over the special voting days in certain provinces, including KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and the Western Cape. Meanwhile, regions such as North West, Limpopo, the Northern Cape, and Free State may experience high temperatures.

Voters are urged to check local forecasts before heading to vote and to plan accordingly whether that means carrying rain gear or staying hydrated during hot weather.

How to Prepare for Special Voting

• Double-check your registered voting station and voting approval status
• Ensure you have one of the required identity documents
• Bring your voter-roll sequence number if possible
• Check the weather and dress appropriately
• Arrive early to avoid queues and delays

With over 127,000 election officials mobilized, the IEC is working to ensure a fair, transparent, and accessible voting process for eligible special voters across South Africa.