Electoral Commission on conclusion of 2026 Local Government Elections Special Voting
An hour ago, the Electoral Commission successfully concluded the two-day Special Voting, providing approximately 2.6 million approved voters who otherwise unable to vote on Election Day with an opportunity to cast their votes in advance. Election staff successfully facilitated special voting at voting stations and through home visits.
The Commission is pleased to report that at the time of closing, 1 425 942 voters had recorded as having voted between 2 and 3 November 2026. Out of these, 974 852 voters voted at voting stations, and 451090 voted through home visits. A provincial breakdown is as follows:
- Gauteng 264 898
- KZN 208 846
- EC 207 258
- LIMPOPO 180 627
- MP 149 714
- WC 148 493
- NW 126 187
- FS 75 946
- NC 63 973
These are preliminary indications which will be finalised tonight. In terms of the law, the Special votes have been securely stored and will be counted together with the 4 November 2026 Election Day ballots after closing of voting stations. Meaning, the voting station results will be tallied together with the rest of the results and announced a part of the overall election results per voting station.
The Electoral Commission is encouraged by the enthusiasm of South Africans who showed up on two days of special voting with the on Monday, 2 November, and concluded today, Tuesday, 3 November 2026.
Election Day Readiness
The Electoral Commission is fully prepared for Election Day, with operational arrangements in place across all nine provinces to facilitate a smooth and efficient voting process.
As we transition to Election Day, it is important to restate the facts about the 2026 Local Government Elections. The Commission recorded an unprecedented 29.2 million voters registered to vote across 23 696 voting stations nationwide.
A total of 188 000 IEC officials have been deployed across the country’s voting stations. They are fully equipped and ready to assist voters and ensure that the voting process is conducted efficiently and in accordance with the electoral procedures.
All ballot papers and essential election materials have already been secured and distributed to voting stations, with the necessary logistical, security and operational arrangements in place to support the successful conduct of the elections.
Voters are reminded that voting stations will open at 07h00 and close at 21h00 tomorrow, Wednesday, 4 November 2026.
End of Voting Campaign
The Commission reminds political contestants, independent candidates and parties that campaigning for these elections end at midnight.
The Electoral Commission reminds political parties, independent candidates and supporters that in accordance with the electoral timetable, all election campaigning must cease at midnight preceding Election Day. These measures are intended to provide voters with the opportunity to exercise their democratic choice free from influence, intimidation or interference.
Therefore, campaigning, canvassing, door-to-door campaigns, demonstrations or rallies for these elections will no longer be allowed after midnight. Equally, parties and candidates are expected to observe regulations regarding political activity within the vicinity of voting stations.
Do’s and Don’ts at voting stations
The Commission reminds all voters to observe the rules governing Election Day to safeguard the secrecy, integrity and orderly conduct of the voting process. Voters must present a valid South African identity document, smart ID card or Temporary Identity Certificate when reporting to vote.
Ballot papers must be marked in secret within the designated voting booth, and voters are reminded that taking photographs of completed or marked ballot papers is strictly prohibited. The secrecy of every vote is a fundamental principle of South Africa's democracy and must be always protected.
Party regalia, campaign materials, canvassing and any attempt to influence voters inside or in the immediate vicinity of voting stations are prohibited. However, wearing a party colour by a voter is not prohibited.
Voters and stakeholders must refrain from intimidating, obstructing or interfering with any person exercising their democratic right or with electoral officials performing their duties.
No person may enter a voting station carrying dangerous weapons or engage in conduct that may disrupt voting operations.
The Commission also encourages the responsible use of social media and urges members of the public to verify electoral information through official channels before sharing it. The dissemination of false or misleading information has the potential to undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
By adhering to these requirements, voters and stakeholders will contribute to a peaceful, orderly and credible Election Day and help ensure that every eligible voter is able to cast their ballot freely and safely.
Vital Voter information
The Commission reminds voters that they may only vote at the voting station where they are registered. Voters are encouraged to verify their registration details and confirm where they are registered before leaving home to avoid unnecessary delays or inconvenience on Election Day.
Voters must present a valid South African identity document which may be a Smart ID Card, green barcoded ID book or Temporary Identity Certificate issued by the Department of Home Affairs.
Voters are encouraged to check their voting station details and sequence numbers on the voters' roll before leaving home. Providing a sequence number to election officials will assist them in locating voters more quickly and improve the efficiency of the voting process.
Voters may check their voting station details through the following channels:
- WhatsApp: 0600 88 0000
- IEC Contact Centre: 0800 11 8000
- SMS: 32810 (SMS costs R1)
- Website: www.elections.org.za
Call to Action
We urge voters, political parties, independent candidates, observers and all stakeholders to uphold the principles of democracy, respect the electoral process and contribute to a peaceful Election Day.
The Commission remains committed to ensuring that every eligible voter is afforded the opportunity to cast their ballot in a free, fair, credible and peaceful electoral process.
The Commission wishes all South Africans a peaceful and successful Election Day.
For media queries: Please contact Kate Bapela on 082 600 6386
For media interviews: Email requests to spokesperson@elections.org.za
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