Local Elections 2026: Voting Times, ID Requirements and Ballot Guide

South Africans will vote in the Local Government Elections on 4 November 2026, with voting stations open from 7am to 9pm. Special voting takes place on 2 and 3 November, from 8am to 5pm.

Before heading to the polls, check your registered voting station and prepare an accepted identity document. For municipal elections, voters must vote at the station where they are registered.

How to Check Your Voting Station

Confirm your registration details and voting station through any of these channels:

• Visit the Electoral Commission of South Africa website.
• SMS your 13-digit ID number to 32810.
• Send “Hi” to the IEC WhatsApp number, 060 088 0000.

Checking beforehand helps you plan your visit to the correct station.

Which Identity Documents Are Accepted?

Take one of the following:

• A smart ID card.
• A green barcoded ID book.
• A valid temporary identity certificate.

Driver’s licences, passports, student cards and photocopies of identity documents are not accepted for voting.

What Happens When You Arrive?

An election official will verify your identity and registration details, then check your name against the voters’ roll.

Your thumbnail will be marked with indelible ink to prevent double voting. You will then receive your ballot papers.

The number of ballots depends on the type of municipality where you are registered.

Metropolitan Municipality Voters Receive Two Ballots

If you are registered in a metropolitan municipality, you will receive:

• A ward ballot to choose a ward councillor.
• A proportional representation (PR) ballot to choose a political party for representation in the metropolitan council.

Local Municipality Voters Receive Three Ballots

If you are registered in a local municipality, you will receive:

• A ward ballot to choose a ward councillor.
• A PR ballot to choose a political party for the local municipal council.
• A district PR ballot to choose a political party for representation on the district municipal council.

Take time to understand each ballot before marking your choice.

How to Mark and Submit Your Ballots

1. Take your ballot papers into the voting booth and vote in private.
2. Make one clear X inside the box next to your chosen candidate or political party on each ballot.
3. Do not write your name, sign the paper or add unnecessary marks, as these risk making your ballot invalid.
4. If you make a mistake, do not put the ballot in the box. Return it to the Presiding Officer and ask for assistance.
5. Fold your completed ballots to keep your choices private, then place them in the ballot box as directed by election officials.

Before leaving home, confirm your station, check the voting hours and take your accepted ID document.

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