Pretoria residents who are registered to vote in the upcoming Local Government Elections now need to check their details, confirm where they will vote and keep track of several key dates before heading to the polls in November.

The voter registration period officially closed on August 7, following the proclamation of the 2026 Local Government Elections, with November 4 confirmed as election day.

For residents, the closing of registration means the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) is now moving into the next phase of the election process, which includes checking and finalising the voters’ roll, confirming candidates, preparing voting stations, and making provision for special votes.

During a media briefing in Centurion on August 7, IEC chairperson Mosotho Moepya said the proclamation had provided certainty around the election process and formally triggered the 89-day election timetable.

https://x.com/IECSouthAfrica/status/2086006097635074549?s=20

What’s next|Countdown to Election Day

With the proclamation now in effect the 89-day Election timetable has officially begun. The IEC now focuses on key milestones: candidate nominations, certification of voters’ roll & final preparations for voting dayhttps://t.co/IgszMrCiv0 pic.twitter.com/kLrTiuicnB

— IEC South Africa (@IECSouthAfrica) August 8, 2026

“The proclamation provides certainty by formally setting Wednesday, 4 November 2026, as election day.”

He said the timetable would guide every major stage of the election going forward.

Check the provisional voters’ roll

From August 11, the provisional voters’ roll, which contains the details of registered voters, will be available for inspection before it is formally certified as the final voters’ roll.

The inspection period allows residents to verify whether their details have been correctly recorded and lodge an objection if they believe there is an issue that needs to be addressed. The inspection and objection period closes on August 18.

Moepya said the IEC would then consider objections and notify objectors of its decisions by August 24.

“The Chief Electoral Officer will certify the final voters’ roll on August 26, after which the certified roll will be published and electronic copies provided to certified contestants,” he said.

Since the voters’ roll has closed, no new registrations or changes to registration details will be accepted for the 2026 Local Government Elections.

However, residents can still inspect the provisional voters’ roll to make sure their details have been correctly captured and raise an objection if they identify an error.

This is particularly important for residents who have moved since they last registered or are unsure whether their information is correctly reflected on the roll.

Find out where you will vote

Another important date for residents is August 14, when the IEC will publish the list of voting stations and their addresses.

The publication will also include the routes of mobile voting stations, of which there are 32 nationally.

Moepya noted that publishing this information would allow voters to confirm the location of their designated voting station and help communities served by mobile stations plan.

This will ensure that residents know where they are expected to vote rather than having to establish their voting location at the last minute.

Candidates have until August 28

While voters have completed the registration stage, political parties and independent candidates are now working towards another major deadline.

Candidate nominations opened on August 7 and will close at 17:00 on August 28.

The 21-day nomination period allows registered political parties and independent candidates intending to contest the elections to submit their candidate lists and nomination documents.

“Nominations can be made through the IEC’s Online Candidate Nomination System or by hand delivery to the Commission’s office in the municipality being contested,” confirmed Moepya.

He said the commission was encouraging contestants to use the online system because of its efficiency and accessibility, although the manual option remains available. Both channels close at exactly 17:00 on August 28.

https://x.com/IECSouthAfrica/status/2086860410808885261?s=20

Why choose online submission?

•Instant voters’ roll verification
•Upload documents digitally
•Centralised or decentralised capturing
•Easier management of candidate information.

Prepare early and avoid last-minute pressure.

📱 Access OCNS: https://t.co/LaAMTNborx pic.twitter.com/nN0FLxeEqM

— IEC South Africa (@IECSouthAfrica) August 10, 2026

The IEC had already opened its Online Candidate Nomination System on June 21 to allow parties and prospective independent candidates to capture candidate and supporter information ahead of the formal nomination period.

By August 7, 119 independent candidates and 111 political parties had started using the system.

The next important date for voters will come on September 16, when the IEC will publish the final list of successful candidates. Successful candidates will then be issued certificates of candidacy on September 25.

This means voters should have a clearer picture of who will contest their wards and municipalities well before November 4.

Special votes open in September

For some residents, getting to a voting station on November 4 may not be possible.

The IEC has therefore made provision for special votes for eligible voters who cannot physically present themselves at their voting stations because of physical limitations, illness, disability, or other qualifying circumstances.

Applications for special votes will open on September 21 and close on October 12. Applicants must indicate whether they need to be visited at their home or place of care, or whether they will vote at their registered voting station.

Special votes will take place on November 2 and 3, immediately before election day.

Moepya said special votes were an important part of ensuring that eligible voters were not excluded from the electoral process because of their circumstances.

“Applications can be made online through the IEC website. Voters can also download a special vote application form or obtain one from a local IEC office during office hours, with completed forms to be hand-delivered to the relevant IEC office.”

Registered voters applying for a special vote at a voting station can also SMS their identity number to 32249, at a cost of R1.50 per SMS.

For families with elderly relatives, people living with disabilities or residents who may be ill during the election period, the September 21 opening date and October 12 closing date will be particularly important.

Campaigning and disinformation

As political parties and candidates prepare for the elections, the Electoral Code of Conduct is already in effect following the proclamation.

Moepya stated that the code sets standards for political parties, candidates and other participants and is intended to promote a free, fair, and peaceful electoral process.

The IEC also plans to publish an additional code dealing with measures to counter disinformation.

He said the additional code would help foster information integrity, which he described as an important part of ensuring free and fair elections.

https://x.com/IECSouthAfrica/status/2086756241116700763?s=20

🚨Know the difference. Spot the difference. Stop the spread.

Before you share election-related information, take a moment to verify it. A few seconds can help protect our democracy from confusion and manipulation.

Think. Verify. Share Responsibly.#ElectionIntegrity pic.twitter.com/GB7vwSzv4v

— IEC South Africa (@IECSouthAfrica) August 10, 2026

For residents, this will become increasingly relevant as campaigning intensifies and more political information begins circulating through social media, messaging platforms and community networks.

Voters should therefore be cautious about accepting election-related claims at face value, particularly information about candidates, voting procedures, or alleged election rules that have not been confirmed by the IEC.

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