Local PR councillor encourages residents to register to vote
South Africans must register or update their details ahead of the 2026/27 local elections to ensure their voices are heard.
THE Electoral Commission is calling on all eligible voters to get ready to make their voices heard at the ballot box in the local government general elections in 2026/27.
In their statement, the commission said they are encouraged by the number of South Africans who have acted on the call to register and update their details through various convenient platforms.
“From January to September 2025, over 305 206 new voters registered, while 60 752 voters updated their registration details. The highest number of new registrations occurred in September with 71 324, followed by August, 51 714, and February, 39 967,” read the statement.
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Of this total of registered voters, the electoral commission said 76.8% of voters were captured via the Voter Management Devices (VMD), 12% used the online registration portal, and 10% visited their local IEC office.
“This is a reflection that more and more South Africans, especially young first-time voters, are embracing digital innovation and the Electoral Commission’s ongoing drive to make registration simpler and smarter.”
Despite this registration activity, the commission said a lot more citizens must still register, and they encourage all eligible voters to use the convenience of the self-registration platform to register to vote or update their voter details.
“Voters are urged to register where they live and vote at the voting station where they are registered. A registered voter who has moved since they last registered should check their voting district and voting station status and, if necessary, update their address details to ensure that they are registered in a ward linked to their new place of residence.”
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The DA PR councillor Mxolisi Khubisa also encouraged residents to register to vote on time and at the correct voting station.
He said registering to vote in your ward is crucial for local government elections as it directly links you to the decisions and representation that affects your immediate community.
He said the key advantages of registering in your ward is for residents to choose whom they want to represent them in their area and for those people to take accountability.
“Your ward councillor is the direct link between you and the local municipality, responsible for advocating for your community’s needs regarding services. Registering enables you to choose, and later hold accountable, the person responsible for your area.”
He explained that local municipalities are responsible for essential services such as water, electricity, roads, refuse removal and healthcare.
“By voting, you choose the council and councillor who will oversee the provision and improvement of these services in your area.
“Your vote helps elect the representatives who set local by-laws, approve municipal budgets and decide on local development plans, directly impacting your quality of life,” said Khubisa.
During this month councillors will be at various stations to provide guidance.
Visit Registertovote.elections.org.za
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