IEC deploys 127 000 officials as 2026 special voting begins
Home visits and station-based voting are underway to ensure registered residents unable to travel on Election Day can cast their ballots safely.
Special voting for the 2026 Local Government Elections began today, with approved voters casting their ballots under arrangements set out by the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC).
The IEC has deployed 127 000 electoral officials to facilitate special voting over the next two days, covering both voting station-based special votes and approved home visits.
Voters who registered for a special vote can visit their voting station between 08:00 and 17:00, while those approved for a home visit must ensure they are at home during these operating hours.
Voters must present their ID to vote.
Strict measures to protect the vote
The commission stated that teams of electoral officials will conduct home visits, accompanied where applicable by political party agents and observers, to administer the process in line with regulations. The deployment forms part of the commission’s operational readiness to ensure that approved special voters can exercise their right to vote.
The IEC follows strict procedures to safeguard the secrecy, security and integrity of every special vote:
Once a home visit special vote has been cast, the ballot is placed in prescribed envelopes, securely stored and retained until counting takes place.
Political party agents, representatives of independent candidates and accredited observers may observe the process and record the seals used to secure special-vote ballots, in accordance with applicable rules.
All special votes are opened and counted together with ballots cast on Election Day, November 4.
Your vote is secret. The process is protected. Every ballot matters.
