IEC: Special vote applications open for LGE 2026
Special votes are open and are intended to ensure that voters who are unable to vote on Election Day, are not excluded from participating.
Applications for special votes for the 2026 Local Government Elections officially opened on September 21, in line with the Election Timetable.
The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has confirmed that qualifying voters have until Monday, October 12 at 17:00 to submit their applications.
Special votes are intended to ensure that voters who are unable to vote on Election Day, November 4, are not excluded from participating.
The IEC said there are two categories of special votes:
- Home visit special votes: For voters who are unable to present themselves at a voting station due to physical infirmity, illness or disability. Approved voters in this category will be visited at their place of confinement within the voting district where they are registered.
- Special votes at voting stations: For voters who are able to be physically present at their voting station but will be absent from their voting district on Election Day. This includes those working in essential services and members of the media. Approved voters will cast their ballots at their registered voting station on the two days preceding Election Day.
How to Apply
The Commission has outlined three ways to apply:
– Online via the IEC website at www.elections.org.za
– By SMSing your ID number to 32249 (R1.00 per SMS), for special votes at a voting station only
– By visiting your local IEC office and submitting a Special Vote Application form. Forms must be hand-delivered, but may be delivered by another person on behalf of the applicant. No emailed or faxed applications will be accepted.
The IEC reminded voters that special votes can only be cast at the voting station where they are registered, or at their registered address in the case of approved home visits.
For media queries, contact Kate Bapela on 082 600 6386 or email [email protected].
Voters can also WhatsApp “Hi” to 0600 88 0000 or visit https://www.elections.org.za for more information.
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