POLOKWANE – The IEC has opened applications for special votes for the 2026 Local Government Election.

On Monday, the commission confirmed that applications will close on October 12 for voters who cannot vote at their registered voting district on voting day to apply for a special vote before voting day.

Spokesperson Simon Thobakgale said the special votes will be cast on November 2 and 3 between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, through home visits and at voting stations, ahead of the November 4 election.

Who qualifies for a special vote?

Thobakgale said there are two categories of qualifying voters.

The first is for voters with physical infirmity, disability or pregnancy.

“They will be allowed to vote at their homes or place of residence where they are,” he explained.

The second category is for registered voters who will be absent from their voting district on voting day, or who will be on duty as members of security services or serving as election officers.

The commission stressed that there is no automatic age-based qualification for a special vote.

Where to apply in Limpopo

Voters in Seshego, Luthuli Park, Mankweng, Ga-Mamabolo and Mothiba can apply at their local IEC office during office hours by submitting Appendix 25 (MEC 35) forms.

Forms must be hand-delivered. A proxy can deliver on behalf of a voter. No emails or faxes will be accepted.

How to apply online or by SMS

Applications can also be made online at www.elections.org.za.

Applicants will receive an SMS notification once processed.

A cellphone application is also available by sending an SMS with your ID number to 32249 at a cost of R1. The SMS facility is only for voting at a voting station, not for home visits.

Warning to political parties

The commission has cautioned political parties and candidates against submitting applications on behalf of voters who do not meet criteria or without their consent, saying it diverts resources from genuinely qualifying voters.