South Africans will head to the polls on Wednesday, 4 November 2026, to elect their local government representatives.
With Election Day approaching, voters are encouraged to check their registration details, confirm their voting station and ensure they have an acceptable identity document before heading to the polls.
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According to the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), special voting will take place on 2 and 3 November, from 08:00 to 17:00.
On Election Day, voting stations will be open from 07:00 to 21:00.
How to check your voter registration details
Before Election Day, voters can confirm that their registration details are correct and check where they are registered to vote.
The IEC states that, for municipal elections, voters must cast their ballots at the voting station where they are registered.
Voters can check their details through any of the following channels:
- IEC website: www.elections.org.za
- SMS: Send your 13-digit ID number to 32810
- WhatsApp: Send “Hi” to the IEC on 060 088 0000
Which ID documents are accepted?
Voters must bring an acceptable identity document to the voting station.
The accepted documents are:
- A smart ID card
- A green barcoded ID book
- A valid temporary identity certificate
The IEC has cautioned voters that driver’s licences, passports, student cards and photocopies of identity documents are not accepted for voting purposes.
What happens at the voting station?
Once you arrive at your registered voting station, an election official will verify your identity and registration details.
Your name will be checked against the voters’ roll before your thumbnail is marked with indelible ink to prevent double voting.
You will then receive your ballot papers. The number of ballots you receive depends on whether you are registered in a metropolitan municipality or a local municipality.
How many ballot papers will you receive?
Metropolitan municipalities
Voters registered in a metropolitan municipality will receive two ballot papers:
- Ward ballot: Used to elect a ward councillor
- Proportional representation (PR) ballot: Used to choose a political party for representation in the metropolitan council
Local municipalities
Voters registered in a local municipality will receive three ballot papers:
- Ward ballot: Used to elect a ward councillor
- Local council PR ballot: Used to choose a political party for representation on the local municipal council
- District PR ballot: Used to choose a political party for representation on the district municipal council
Voters should take the time to understand each ballot paper before making their choices.
How to cast your vote correctly
Follow these steps when completing your ballot papers:
- Take your ballot papers into the voting booth and vote in private
- Make one clear X inside the box next to your chosen candidate or political party on each ballot paper
- Do not write your name, sign the ballot paper or make unnecessary marks, as this could make your ballot invalid
- If you make a mistake, do not put the ballot paper in the ballot box. Return it to the Presiding Officer and ask for assistance
- Once you have voted, fold your ballot papers to keep your choices private and place them in the ballot box as directed by election officials