The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has opened applications for special votes for eligible voters ahead of the November 4 local government elections. Registered voters who may not be able to vote on election day can now apply for a special vote until October 12. The special vote process allows voters to cast their ballots before election day or receive a visit from IEC officials at home, depending on their circumstances.
According to IEC Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo, applications for special votes will remain open until 5pm on October 12. Voters who are physically unable to travel to their voting station can apply for a home visit from IEC officials. Those who can travel but will not be able to vote on November 4 can apply to cast their ballots at their registered voting station on November 2 or 3.
The IEC also allows registered voters who will be outside their voting district on election day due to qualifying circumstances, including essential work, to apply for a special vote. Voters can apply online through the IEC's platforms or at their local IEC office. Before applying, voters should check that their registration details are correct by sending their ID number by SMS to 32810.
For information about voting-station special votes, voters can send their ID number by SMS to 32249. The IEC call centre is available on 0800 11 8000, while voters can also contact the commission through WhatsApp on 0600 880 000. The IEC has completed the publication of the final candidate lists, with 136,790 candidates cleared to contest seats across South Africa's eight metropolitan municipalities, 44 district municipalities, and 205 local municipalities.
The IEC is also due to hold the ballot-paper draw and the signing of the Electoral Code of Conduct on September 23, while successful candidates are scheduled to receive their certificates on September 25. Mamabolo said the commission was satisfied with the progress of the electoral timetable, with key activities either completed or on track as preparations continue for election day.
Approved special votes will take place on November 2 and 3, before the November 4 election. The IEC has secured 23,696 voting stations for the local government elections, although the number could change as outstanding leases are finalised. Voters in several major metros will face a new ballot layout in November, with the IEC confirming double-column PR ballots where more than 48 parties are contesting.
The opening of special-vote applications comes as the IEC moves ahead with its preparations for the November 4 local government elections. South Africans working on November 4 can still vote in the local government elections, but those unable to reach their registered voting station may need to apply for a special vote.
Key points
- Eligible voters can apply for special votes until October 12.
- Special votes will take place on November 2 and 3.
- The IEC has completed the publication of the final candidate lists for the local government elections.
