With the 2026 Local Government Elections drawing closer, voters are urged to familiarise themselves with the voting process and the options available to them ahead of the November 4 poll. 

The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) says candidate nominations closed on Friday (August 28), marking the start of the candidate nomination review and finalisation process. 

Final candidate lists 

The final list of candidates will be published on September 16, giving voters an opportunity to review those contesting the election. 

Special votes 

A special vote allows a registered eligible voter who cannot vote at their voting station on Election Day because of a qualifying circumstance to cast their ballot in advance.

Special votes are not restricted to elderly voters: Any registered voter who cannot vote at their voting station on Election Day can apply. Voters who are physically infirm, disabled or pregnant and cannot travel to their voting station can apply for a home visit. 

According to the IEC, voters applying for a special vote must indicate whether they require a visit at their home or place of care, or whether they will cast their special vote at their registered voting station on November 2 or 3, ahead of Election Day. 

For those wanting to apply for a special vote, visit the IEC’s website to complete an online application for a voting station visit or home visit. The form can also be downloaded or obtained from a local IEC office during office hours. 

Completed forms must be hand-delivered to the relevant IEC office. Registered voters can apply for a voting station special vote by sending an SMS with their identity number to 32249 (R1.50 per SMS). 

Voting aid 

The IEC, in collaboration with the South African National Council for the Blind, has developed a voting aid, the Universal Ballot Template (UBT), to assist persons with disabilities and special needs to vote independently and secretly during elections. 

The template is designed to assist elderly, blind and partially sighted voters, as well as those with low vision, dyslexia, low literacy or motor and nervous conditions affecting hand stability. 

“The UBT is made of hard, black plastic into which a ballot paper is inserted,” says the IEC. 

“The template is not a Braille ballot paper. The right front of the template has a flap which has cut-out windows numbered in Braille and in large, raised white print.  

“When the ballot paper is inserted into the template, each window aligns with a particular candidate or party, allowing the voter to make a secret and independent mark,” it explained.  

Assistance from a companion 

The UBT can be used at the voting station and during home visits. 

The IEC said voters with disabilities or special needs may ask for assistance from a companion to mark their ballot paper(s).  

However, the companion must be at least 18 years old and cannot be a party agent, candidate or observer. The IEC explains that the presiding officer must remind the companion that she or he is not allowed to disclose any information that may compromise the secrecy of the vote cast by the voter.” 

If a voter has no companion, then the voting official or presiding officer may assist. 

“This should be done in the presence of two party agents, from different parties, and one accredited observer, if available. Where such witnesses are not available, assistance can be rendered in their absence.” 
 
For more information about the UBT, visit the IEC website.

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