Today (2 November) and tomorrow (3 November) have been set aside for approved special votes ahead of South Africa’s 2026 Local Government Elections, allowing eligible voters who cannot vote on election day to cast their ballots before the country heads to the polls on 4 November.
The Electoral Commission (IEC) said special votes are designed to ensure that people who would otherwise be unable to vote on election day are still able to exercise their democratic right. These include voters who are unable to travel to a voting station because of a physical condition, as well as those who will be away from their voting district on election day due to work or other qualifying reasons.
“Special votes are meant to ensure access to the vote by persons who would otherwise not be able to participate in elections on 4 November 2026,” the Electoral Commission said.
The IEC has also reassured voters that every special vote is protected through strict security procedures to safeguard the integrity of the election.
According to the Commission, completed ballots are placed in prescribed envelopes and securely stored. They are not counted during the special voting days but remain secured and are reconciled with special vote records. All approved special votes will be counted together with ballots cast on election day, 4 November 2026.
The Commission added that party agents, representatives of independent candidates and accredited election observers are permitted to observe the special voting process in accordance with the applicable electoral rules.
Voters who applied and received approval for a home visit will be visited at their registered address within the voting district where they are registered. Those approved to vote at a voting station may do so only at the voting station where they are registered.
South Africans who did not apply for or qualify for a special vote will cast their ballots on the official election day, Tuesday, 4 November 2026.
