LGE 2026: Special vote applications open for eligible voters

The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has opened applications for special votes, allowing eligible voters who cannot cast their ballots on election day to participate in the upcoming local government elections on November 4. The special vote option is available for those who meet specific requirements and cannot vote at their registered voting station on election day.

Eligible voters can apply for a special vote or a home visit from IEC officials, depending on their circumstances. The deadline for special vote applications is October 12 at 5pm. The IEC is urging voters to verify their registration details before applying and offering multiple channels for applying, including online through their platforms or at a local IEC office.

Voters can also check their registration and voting-station details by sending their ID number to designated SMS numbers. The process aims to accommodate voters who are unable to travel to their voting station due to various qualifying circumstances, such as essential work or being outside their voting district on election day. The IEC is diligently preparing for the election, with the final candidate lists already published and the ballot-paper draw and signing of the Electoral Code of Conduct scheduled for September 23.