IEC outlines key information for 2026 Local Government Elections
Key details on voting station hours, special votes and required identification documents have been released to ensure a smooth voting process.
With the Local Government Elections scheduled for Wednesday (November 4), the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has outlined key information voters need to know ahead of Election Day.
Bloemfontein Courant reports that special voting will take place on Monday (November 2) and Tuesday (November 3) from 08:00 to 17:00, while voting stations will be open from 07:00 to 21:00 on Election Day.
Voters are encouraged to verify their registration details and confirm their voting station before heading to the polls. This can be done through the IEC website at www.elections.org.za, by SMSing their 13-digit identity number to 32810, or by sending “Hi” to the IEC’s WhatsApp number, 060 088 0000.
Ballots and voting stations
Voters must cast their ballots at the voting station where they are registered for municipal elections. They must also bring an acceptable identity document, such as a smart ID card, green barcoded ID book or valid temporary identity certificate.
What happens at the voting station
Election officials will verify voters’ identities and check their names against the voters’ roll. Their thumbnails will then be marked with indelible ink to prevent double voting before ballot papers are issued.
The number of ballot papers depends on the municipality where a voter is registered. Voters in metropolitan municipalities will receive two ballots: one to elect a ward councillor and another to choose a political party for proportional representation (PR) in the metropolitan council.
Those registered in local municipalities will receive three ballots: a ward ballot, a local council PR ballot and a district council PR ballot.
How to cast your vote
Voters must mark their choices privately in the voting booth by placing one clear X inside the box next to their preferred candidate or political party on each ballot paper.
They should avoid unnecessary marks, signing or writing their names on ballots, as this could render them invalid. Anyone who makes a mistake should return to the presiding officer and request a replacement.
Once completed, ballot papers must be folded to protect voting privacy and placed in the designated ballot boxes.
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Read original story on www.bloemfonteincourant.co.za
