Voter registration weekend set ahead of local elections

IEC notes massive increase in South Africans using the online self-registration platform as preparations for municipal polls move ahead

March 14, 2026

Gugu Myeni 2 minutes read

Preparations for 2026 local government elections on track PHOTO: GCIS

The date has been set for the voter registration weekend ahead of this year’s local government elections.

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has announced 20-21 June, allowing eligible voters to ensure they are registered before the municipal polls.

“Once the election date has been announced, voters must vote where they are registered,” said the IEC on Tuesday.

Following the completion of the voter registration process, the minister of cooperative governance and traditional affairs is expected to proclaim the election date.

“The commission’s position is that an early announcement of an election date is critical to allow South Africans to decide where they will be on voting day, as this directly determines where they register.

“For instance, a student studying in one province but ordinarily residing in another must know whether they will be on campus or at home when the country votes.

“That clarity ensures they register correctly and avoids unnecessary administrative complications closer to election day.”

The IEC revealed that there has been a major increase in the number of eligible voters.

Online registration gaining momentum

The commission has also noted a massive increase in the number of South Africans using the online self-registration platform.

“Between November last year and March this year 260 205 new registrations were recorded. Of these, 128 113 voters registered through our voter management devices (VMD), while 132 092 registered via the online self-service portal.

“The steady increase in registrations can also be attributed to the online registration campaign, which encouraged citizens to register, update and verify their details remotely,” the commission said.

“The current registration activity is a crucial reversal of the net loss on the voters’ roll due to mortality.”

Voters are, however, warned not to fall prey to ongoing online scams and the spread of false information on the upcoming elections.

“The commission is aware of fake websites impersonating its domain. The sites are intended to lure unsuspecting members of the public to share their personal information.

“The IEC does not use domains such as examtapzme.github.io. Members of the public are advised not to click on links, and are urged not to share their personal information (ID number, phone number, address) on these websites.”

The only official online voter registration portal is: registertovote.org.za or www.elections.org.za

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