Voters who need to cast a special vote have just four days left to apply, with applications closing on Monday, 12 October 2026. With the Local Government Elections taking place on 4 November 2026, the Electoral Commission (IEC) is urging eligible voters to apply before the deadline if they will be unable to vote at their registered voting station on election day.
Special votes are available to voters who, for various reasons, cannot vote at their usual voting station on election day.
There are two categories of special votes.
A home visit special vote is available to voters who are physically unable to travel to or present themselves at a voting station. If approved, an election official will visit the voter at their place of confinement, which must be in the voting district where they are registered.
The second category is for voters who are physically able to visit a voting station but will be unable to vote at their registered station on election day. If approved, they can cast their ballots at their voting station during the two days before election day.
This may include people who will be away from their voting districts on 4 November, including those working in essential services, members of the media and others who meet the requirements.
Eligible voters are urged to submit their special vote applications by 12 October 2026.
Here's how you can apply:
- Apply through the IEC website
- SMS your identity number to 32249 (R 1 per SMS). This option is available for special vote at a voting station only.
- Or by visiting your local IEC office (not the national or provincial offices) and submitting a Special Vote application form. Forms can be hand-delivered (no emails or faxes accepted), but someone else can deliver your completed form on your behalf.
With only four days remaining before applications close, voters who may require a special vote are encouraged to act now and ensure their applications are submitted on time. For more information visit www.elections.org.za
Written by Brümilda Swartbooi
08/10/2026
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