Missed the registration weekend? You can still register for the 2026 local elections

South Africans who missed the final voter registration weekend still have time to register or update their voting details for the 2026 Local Government Elections. The Electoral Commission (IEC) says eligible voters can complete registration until midnight on Friday, 7 August 2026.

How to register before the deadline

The IEC offers multiple options for people who did not register during the weekend of 1 and 2 August. Citizens can use the IEC’s online voter registration portal or the Commission’s new WhatsApp registration service. To use WhatsApp, voters send “Hi” to 0600 88 0000.

The WhatsApp service guides users through secure identity verification with a one-time password, ID uploads, address confirmation and voting station selection. Some users may be redirected to the IEC’s online portal to verify their residential address using an interactive map. Those who prefer in-person assistance can still register at designated registration stations before the midnight deadline.

What the IEC reported about last weekend

The IEC said more than 1.7 million people interacted with its registration services during the final registration weekend on 1 and 2 August. The weekend produced 291,806 first-time voter registrations. Young people accounted for a large share of activity: 485,757 transactions involved people aged 16 to 29, and 46% of new registrations were from voters under 29.

Check and update your details

The IEC reminded voters who have moved to update their addresses before the registration period closes, noting that local government elections require voters to cast ballots at the voting station where they are registered. Voters can check their registration status by sending “myID” followed by their ID number to 32810. The IEC Contact Centre is available at 0800 11 8000 to assist with registration queries.

Key dates

The 2026 Local Government Elections are scheduled for Wednesday, 4 November. The IEC said the official election timetable is expected to be published following the election proclamation on Friday, 7 August.

Voters are urged not to leave registration to the last minute, as online services and support channels are expected to become busy as the deadline approaches.