South Africans head to voting stations on Wednesday, November 4, for the 2026 Local Government Elections. Voters will choose councillors and political parties to represent them in municipal councils for the next five years. Voting stations across the country open at 7am and close at 9pm. Registered voters must cast their ballots at their registered stations. Election Day has been declared a public holiday to facilitate voting.
The Department of Home Affairs has extended its operating hours to help voters collect identity documents or obtain Temporary Identity Certificates. Voters must present one of the following South African identity documents: a green barcoded identity document, a smart ID card, or a valid Temporary Identity Certificate issued by Home Affairs. Home Affairs offices will be open from 7am to 9pm on Wednesday to assist eligible voters.
Voters can check their registration details through the IEC website, www.elections.org.za, or by sending their 13-digit identity number by SMS to 32810. The SMS costs R1. Voters can also send “Hi” to the IEC's WhatsApp number, 060 088 0000, or call its toll-free contact centre on 0800 11 8000. Voters must cast their ballots at the voting station where they are registered.
The number of ballot papers depends on the type of municipality in which a voter is registered. Voters in metropolitan municipalities will receive two ballot papers, while those in local municipalities will receive three ballot papers. One ballot is used to elect a ward councillor, while the others allow voters to choose a political party for proportional representation.
When voters arrive at the voting station, election officials will check their identity documents against the voters' roll to confirm registration and prevent double voting. Officials will then issue the appropriate ballot papers, which voters must complete in the privacy of a voting booth. Voters must make one clear cross in the box next to their chosen candidate or political party on each ballot paper.
Voters who make a mistake while marking their ballot papers should return the incorrectly marked ballot to the presiding officer and request a replacement. The IEC has reminded political parties, candidates, and their supporters that campaigning, canvassing, intimidation, and attempts to influence voters are not permitted inside voting-station boundaries.
Voters with physical disabilities or visual impairments may choose someone to assist them at the voting station. The IEC's toll-free contact centre is available on 0800 11 8000, and voters can also use its WhatsApp service on 060 088 0000 or visit www.elections.org.za for election-related information. With voting stations open until 9pm, registered voters have the day to make their mark in the elections.
Key points
- Voters must present a valid South African identity document to cast their ballot.
- Voting stations are open from 7am to 9pm on November 4.
- The IEC has extended its operating hours and provided various channels for voters to get assistance.
