The 2026 local government elections commence across the country with special voting taking place today, November 2, and tomorrow, November 3.

Voting stations open at 08:00 and operate until 17:00 on both days for voters approved to cast their special votes.

Understanding the special voting process

Special voting is an inclusivity mechanism in the electoral scheme catering for registered voters who may not be able to reach voting stations due to physical infirmity or disability, and those who may, for various reasons, not be in a position to present themselves at voting stations on election day within the wards where they are registered.

A total of 2 655 067 voters have been approved for special voting across South Africa. They will vote in two categories, comprising home visits and voting station-based special voting. Mpumalanga has 292 775 approved special voters.

Home visits and station voting

Nationally, Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) officials will visit 678 525 voters with physical infirmity or disability at their places of residence to allow them to cast their votes.

The commission urged approved voters to remain available at the addresses provided on their applications during the two days of special voting.

The remaining 1 976 542 special voters have been approved to cast their votes at their registered voting stations.

Voting station rules

Voters are reminded that they can only vote where they are registered, and before leaving home, they can check their special vote status by sending an SMS to 32711 (R1 per SMS).

Voters must present a valid South African identity document before being allowed to vote. This includes a smart ID card, green barcoded ID book or valid temporary ID obtained from the Department of Home Affairs.