Registered voters who are unable to cast their ballots at the 2026 Local Government Elections on November 4 can apply for special votes from today (September 21).  
 
The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) said special votes, which take place on November 2 and 3, fall into two categories. 

“The first are home visit special votes, for persons who are unable to be physically present at a voting station owing to a physical condition,” said the IEC.  

“Voters in this category, if approved, are visited at a place of confinement, which must be in a voting district in which the voter is registered.” 

The second category relates to voters who are unable to vote at their voting station on Election Day. 

“This category of voters will, if approved, vote at their voting station on the two days preceding Election Day,” added the IEC. 

Eligible categories for special votes 

Registered voters who qualify to apply include: 

• People living with disabilities 

• Pregnant women 

• Elderly people with mobility challenges 

• People unable to vote on Election Day due to work-related commitments 

Requirements to vote 

You may only vote if you are: 

• A South African citizen 

• A registered voter 

• At least 18 years old on voting day 

Voters who may be out of their voting districts on Election Day, including essential service workers and media personnel, also qualify to apply for a special vote at their registered voting station. 

According to the IEC, the deadline to apply for a special vote is on October 12 at 17:00. 

Applications can be made at IEC local offices across the country, on the IEC website or by SMS to 32249. 

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