LGE 2026: Special votes in motion
Approximately R2.6 million South Africans are expected to cast special votes over the next two days.
Eyewitness News
Picture: Emmanuel Croset/AFP
Emmanuel Croset/AFP
Elderly people approved for special votes are urged to remain at home as the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) officials prepare to visit registered addresses on Monday and Tuesday.
This, while the official local government elections are set for Wednesday, 4 November.
Approximately R2.6 million South Africans are expected to cast special votes over the next two days.
The electoral commission said that it won't send officials back to homes where approved voters are not available when they arrive.
Of those approved, 1.9 million will cast their ballots at designated voting stations, while IEC officials will visit the remainder at their registered addresses.
IEC chief electoral officer Sy Mamabolo said that all special votes will be secured and reconciled before being counted alongside ballots cast on election day on Wednesday.
HOME AFFAIRS OPENS ARMS FOR VOTERS
South Africans without identity documents (IDs) are being urged to visit Home Affairs departments countrywide.
This will allow eligible voters to apply for identity documents or temporary identity certificates to afford citizens their democratic right to make a decision about their daily lives.
Spokesperson Ndileka Cola said those who have already applied should collect their IDs and ensure they can vote.
“From 2nd November, 2026 to 4th November, 2026, Home Affairs offices will be open from 8 o'clock in the morning to 6 o'clock in the evening to enable citizens to collect completed identity documents, to apply for identity documents or obtain the temporary identity certificate where applicable.”
Article written by Tsholofelo Tsoku.