How to apply for a special vote

Registered voters who cannot vote at their voting stations on election day can now apply for a special vote in the 2026 Local Government Elections.

Applications opened on 21 September and will close at 17:00 on Monday, 12 October 2026.

The elections will be held on 4 November, which President Ramaphosa has subsequently declared a public holiday.

According to the Electoral Commission’s (IEC) website, special votes ensure that people who would otherwise be unable to participate in the elections can exercise their democratic right.

Who may apply?

Applicants must be registered voters and possess a valid South African identity document.

Accepted documents include a green barcoded identity book, smart identity card, or valid Temporary Identity Certificate.

Two categories of special votes are available.

The first is for voters who can travel to their voting stations but cannot vote on election day. This may include people who will be outside their voting districts on 4 November, such as essential service employees and members of the media.

Approved applicants will be able to vote at their registered voting stations on 2 and 3 November, before election day on 4 November.

The second category allows a home visit for voters who cannot travel to a voting station because they are physically infirm, disabled, or pregnant.

Officials will visit approved applicants at the address provided in the application. The address must be within the voting district where the applicant is registered.

How to apply

Voters may apply through the IEC’s secure online application facility at www.elections.org.za.

Those applying to vote at a voting station may also SMS their identity number to 32249. The service costs R1 per SMS. This option cannot be used to apply for a home visit.

Applicants may also complete a Special Vote Application form and hand-deliver it to their local IEC office. Forms cannot be submitted by email or fax. Another person may deliver the completed form on the voter’s behalf.

A family member or friend may similarly submit a home-visit application at the relevant local IEC office.

Applicants will receive an SMS informing them of the outcome after their applications have been processed. They can also check their application status online.

Voters can confirm their registration status and voting station through the IEC website, by sending an SMS with their identity number to 32810, or by calling 0800 11 8000.

Successful applicants must vote at the voting station where they are registered unless they have been approved for a home visit. 

This information was supplied by the IEC.