LGE 2026: Special vote applications close at 5pm today

Registered South African voters who are unable to attend their assigned polling stations on election day must submit their special vote applications by 5pm on Monday, October 12, according to the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC). The application deadline is four weeks before the November 4 local government elections. Approved special votes will be cast on November 2 and 3.

The IEC encourages voters who would face challenges participating on election day, such as those working in essential services or the media, to apply for a special vote. The deadline applies to applications submitted through the IEC website, local IEC offices, or by sending an identity number via SMS to 32249 for R1. The IEC does not accept applications via email or fax; instead, applicants must provide the forms personally or have someone else deliver them.

There are two types of special votes: for voters with physical limitations who cannot reach their designated station, who will receive a home visit, or for voters who can attend a station but cannot vote there on November 4, who must instead cast their ballots on November 2 or 3. The higher-than-usual number of candidates—136,790—qualifying for the 10,526 council seats across South Africa's eight metropolitan, 44 district, and 205 local municipalities highlights the importance of proper voter registration.

Additionally, the Department of Home Affairs urges citizens to replace lost or damaged ID documents before election day, as a valid ID is crucial for democratic participation in the upcoming elections.