SPECIAL voting is progressing steadily, although at a relatively slow pace, at several voting stations across the Highway area as registered voters make use of the opportunity to cast their ballots ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections.

At Pinetown Civic Centre, around lunchtime on Tuesday, November 3, Electoral Commission (IEC) officials appeared to have a relatively quiet period, with staff seated and waiting for voters to arrive. Police officers were also stationed at the venue to ensure security throughout the voting process.

The presiding officer at the voting station confirmed that voters had been coming through, although activity appeared to have slowed down by lunchtime.

Also read: IEC: Special vote applications open for LGE 2026

Despite the quieter period, the presiding officer indicated that everything was running smoothly, with no disruptions reported at the station.

At New Germany hall, the second day also got underway with no incidents reported by IEC officials at the site. Ndumiso Ndlela, the MKP’s Ward 21 councillor candidate, said the first day, November 2, also went smoothly, with the commission’s officials conducting home visits, including to the old age homes in the area, where required, without any issues observed. It was reported that on Monday, some voters made their way to the voting station at New Germany between 11:00 and 15:00.

Also read: LGE 2026: Meet the EFF’s Ward 21 councillor candidate

Special voting is an arrangement by the IEC that allows registered voters who may be unable to cast their ballots on ordinary election day to vote ahead of time.

The provision is intended to ensure that people who might otherwise struggle to access their voting stations are not excluded from participating in the democratic process.

Special votes cater for two main groups of voters. The first includes people who are physically infirm, living with disabilities or pregnant and unable to travel to their voting stations. IEC officials visit approved voters in this category at their homes or places of confinement.

The second category includes registered voters who are unable to visit their voting station on election day for other approved reasons. These voters can cast their ballots at their registered voting stations during the designated special voting period.

Voting stations are open until 17:00 for the special voting day.

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