Applications for special votes for the 2026 Local Government Elections (LGE) will open on 21 September 2026, according to the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC).
Special votes are available to voters who are unable to physically visit a voting station on election day.
The category also includes essential service workers, media personnel, and voters who are able to be physically present at their voting station but are unable to vote there on election day. The IEC briefed members of the media at its headquarters in Centurion on Wednesday on the finalisation of the candidate list.
The Commission’s Chief Electoral Officer, Sy Mamabolo, says applications for special votes will remain open until 12 October 2026 at 17:00.
“On 21 September 2026, the Commission will open applications for special votes, and the application period will close on 12 October 2026 at 17h00, with special votes meant to ensure access to the vote for persons who would otherwise not be able to participate in elections on 4 November.” Sy Mamabolo said.
The 2026 Local Government Elections are scheduled to take place on 4 November 2026.
