Checked 18 Oct 2026.
Where the How to vote facts come from
Every fact on the How to vote page, with the sources we used. We save a copy of each source on the day we read it.
Your ballots
How many ballots do I get?
You vote for a council, not a mayor. In a metro or local municipality, half the seats go to ward councillors. There is one for each ward. The other half go to people on party lists. Each party gets seats to match its share of the votes.
South African Government. Published 18 December 1998.
Where to look: Section 22(1) and (2), PDF page 15: councillors elected to proportionally represent parties and to directly represent wards; ward councillors equal 50 per cent of the council (rounded up)
Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC). Page is undated; read 18 October 2026.
Where to look: Step 4: one ballot for a ward councillor and one for a political party as part of the PR section of the election
In a metro you get two ballots. One is for a ward councillor. This is a person, who may stand for a party or on their own, as an independent. The other ballot is for a party.
Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC). Page is undated; read 18 October 2026.
Where to look: Step 4 'Get your ballot papers': voters in metros and local councils receive two ballot papers, one for a ward councillor and one for a political party
Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC). Published 16 September 2026.
Where to look: Paragraph beginning 'An unprecedented 136 790 candidates': 621 independent candidates are nominated to represent wards
Outside the metros you get three ballots. One is for a ward councillor. One is for a party on your local council. One is for a party on your district council.
Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC). Page is undated; read 18 October 2026.
Where to look: Step 4 'Get your ballot papers': voters in areas that form part of a district council receive a third ballot paper for the district council election
Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC). Published 16 September 2026.
Where to look: Paragraph beginning 'An unprecedented 136 790 candidates': seats are contested across 8 metropolitan, 44 district and 205 local municipalities
A district council works for several local municipalities. The local councils in the district choose 60% of its members. Voters choose the rest on the district party ballot.
South African Government. Published 18 December 1998.
Where to look: Section 23(1)(a)-(b), (2) and (3), PDF page 15: local councils appoint 60 per cent of a district council; the rest are elected to proportionally represent parties
South African Government. Published 1 June 2021.
Where to look: Section 11: section 23 amended only to remove district management areas; the 60 per cent rule stays
Some ballots are long. If more than 48 parties are standing, the party ballot has two columns. Some metro wards have so many candidates that the ward ballot is double too.
Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC). Published 16 September 2026.
Where to look: Section 'Top municipalities with the highest number of PR candidates': double-column ballot where more than 48 parties are on the PR ballot (Johannesburg, Tshwane, eThekwini, Ekurhuleni, Cape Town); double ballots for ward candidates in these metros
On election day
When is election day?
Election day is Wednesday 4 November 2026. Voting stations are open from 07:00 to 21:00.
Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC). Page is undated; read 18 October 2026.
Where to look: Single-page timetable, bottom row (NOV): 'ELECTION DAY, WEDNESDAY 04 NOVEMBER 2026, 07:00 - 21:00'
Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC). Page is undated; read 18 October 2026.
Where to look: Step 1 'Find your correct voting station', last sentence: voting stations are open from 07:00 to 21:00 on election days
4 November 2026 is a public holiday across the country. The President declared it under the Public Holidays Act, so that people can vote.
The Presidency. Published 15 September 2026.
Where to look: Paragraph 1: declared Wednesday 4 November 2026 a public holiday throughout the country in terms of section 2A of the Public Holidays Act of 1994; paragraph 2: use the public holiday to vote
A special vote is an early vote. It is for registered voters who can't vote at their station on election day. For example, they will be away or they work that day. Special votes are on Monday 2 and Tuesday 3 November, from 08:00 to 17:00. Special voters vote at their own voting station. If a home visit was approved, they vote at home. Applications closed at 17:00 on Monday 12 October. Late applications can't be accepted.
Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC). Page is undated; read 18 October 2026.
Where to look: Single-page timetable, bottom row (NOV): 'Special Votes: Home & station visits [Reg 28C] 08:00 - 17:00' on 02 Monday and 03 Tuesday November; OCT column: 12 Mon, closing of applications for special votes
Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC). Published 21 September 2026.
Where to look: Paragraph 2 (two categories: home visits, and voting at your own station on the two days before election day), paragraph 3 (voters away from their voting district on 4 November, including essential services and media workers, qualify) and last paragraph (special vote cast at the station where you are registered, or at your registered address for a home visit)
Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC). Published 12 October 2026.
Where to look: Paragraph 1 (applications close at 17h00 on Monday 12 October 2026) and last paragraph before '-ENDS-' (no further applications after the window closes; approved special votes cast on 2 and 3 November 2026)
Registration for this election is closed. The voters' roll (the list of people who can vote) closed at midnight on 7 August 2026. That is the day the election was officially announced in the Government Gazette, the government's official notice (No. 55162). Since then, no one can register or change their address for this election.
Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC). Published 7 August 2026.
Where to look: Paragraph 1 (Minister proclaimed Wednesday 4 November 2026 as Election Day) and section 'Inspection of the provisional voters' roll', paragraph 1 (roll closes at midnight tonight; no new registrations or changes to registration details accepted)
SAnews. Published 8 August 2026.
Where to look: Paragraph 3: the Minister gazetted the date of the municipal elections, as published in Government Gazette No. 55162, on Friday
Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC). Page is undated; read 18 October 2026.
Where to look: 2026 Local Government Elections panel: 'Voter registration is now closed'
Where do I vote?
You can only vote at the voting station where you are registered. In these elections you can't vote at another station on election day, even if you travel.
Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC). Published 14 October 2026.
Where to look: Section 'Call to Action', paragraph 1: 'In the 2026 Local Government Elections, voters may only vote at the voting station where they are registered.'
The Presidency. Published 15 September 2026.
Where to look: Paragraphs 3 and 4: voters can only vote at polling stations in wards where they are registered and cannot transfer their votes to stations away from their designated wards
South African Government. Published 11 July 2000.
Where to look: Section 47(1)(a), PDF page 18: a voter may vote only at the voting station in the voting district in which that voter is registered
The IEC has published the final candidate lists for the 2026 elections. On Your ballot, you can see the ward and party papers for your area.
Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC). Published 16 September 2026.
Where to look: Section 'Publication of the final candidate lists': the Electoral Commission published the certified candidate lists for the 2026 Local Government Elections
To check where you are registered, use your 13-digit ID number. You can enter it on the IEC website. You can SMS it to 32810, which costs R1 per SMS. You can send it on WhatsApp to 0600 88 0000. Or you can call the IEC on 0800 11 8000. The reply gives your voters' roll number. This number helps officials find you faster.
Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC). Published 14 October 2026.
Where to look: Section 'Call to Action', paragraphs 1 and 2: WhatsApp 0600 88 0000 or SMS 32810 at R1 per SMS; voters receive their voting station and voters' roll sequence number, which helps officials find them
Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC). Page is undated; read 18 October 2026.
Where to look: Box 'My voter registration' (enter your 13-digit ID number) and box 'SMS services': Registration status - 32810 (R1.00 per SMS)
Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC). Page is undated; read 18 October 2026.
Where to look: Section 'Do I qualify for a special vote?': check registration online, SMS your ID number to 32810, or call the IEC's contact centre on 0800 11 8000
What do I bring?
Bring one of these: a green barcoded ID book, a smart ID card, or a valid temporary identity certificate from Home Affairs.
Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC). Page is undated; read 18 October 2026.
Where to look: Step 2 'Present your valid identification document': green barcoded ID book, smart-card ID or temporary ID certificate
Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC). Page is undated; read 18 October 2026.
Where to look: Section 'Do I qualify for a special vote?': valid South African identity document (green, barcoded ID book; smartcard ID, or a valid Temporary Identity Certificate)
If your ID is lost or damaged, replace it as soon as possible. You can apply at a Home Affairs office or at one of more than 450 participating bank branches. Cabinet said this on 29 September 2026.
SAnews. Published 29 September 2026.
Where to look: Paragraphs 1 and 2: Cabinet urges voters whose identity documents are lost or damaged to replace them; they can visit a Home Affairs office or any of the more than 450 participating bank branches
Other documents are not on the IEC's list. This includes a passport and a driver's licence. By law, you must show an identity document to vote.
Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC). Page is undated; read 18 October 2026.
Where to look: Step 2: the door controller checks for a valid identification document and lists only the green barcoded ID book, smart-card ID or temporary ID certificate
South African Government. Published 11 July 2000.
Where to look: Section 1, definition of 'identity document', PDF page 5 (an identity document or a temporary identity certificate under the Identification Acts), and section 47(2)(a), PDF page 18 (a voter may vote on production of that voter's identity document)
What happens at the voting station?
At the door, an official checks and scans your ID. Inside, officials find your name on the voters' roll. They cross it off and ink your left thumbnail. You get your ballot papers. Each one is stamped on the back. Mark each ballot in an empty booth. Make only one clear mark on each ballot. Fold it so your choice is hidden, and put it in the ballot box. If you have a green ID book, it is stamped too.
Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC). Page is undated; read 18 October 2026.
Where to look: Steps 2 to 7: door controller scans ID; name crossed off the roll and left thumbnail inked; ballot papers stamped on the back; green ID book stamped; mark in an empty booth, fold and place in the ballot box
Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC). Page is undated; read 18 October 2026.
Where to look: Step 4: 'you must make sure that there is a stamp at the back'; Step 6: make only one mark on each ballot paper and make sure your mark is clear
South African Government. Published 11 July 2000.
Where to look: Section 47(3) and (5), PDF page 18: officer checks identity, roll and that the voter has not voted, marks the voter's hand and stamps the back of the ballot papers
You may not take a photo of your marked ballot.
Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC). Page is undated; read 18 October 2026.
Where to look: Step 6, last paragraph: 'you are not allowed to photograph your marked ballot paper'
If you make a mistake, ask the presiding officer (the official in charge of the station) for a new ballot. You must do this before your ballot goes in the box. Once a ballot is in the box, no one can take it out.
Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC). Page is undated; read 18 October 2026.
Where to look: Paragraph after 'Physically disabled voters': ask the Presiding Officer for a new ballot paper; once placed in the ballot box it can't be removed
Can someone help me vote?
If you have a disability, you can bring someone you choose to help you vote. This includes being blind or partly sighted. Your helper must be at least 18. They can't be a party agent or a candidate. Voters with a disability, and voters who can't read, can also ask the presiding officer for help.
South African Government. Published 11 July 2000.
Where to look: Section 48(1), PDF pages 18-19: a person chosen by the voter may help, only if that person is at least 18 and not an agent or candidate; the presiding officer helps in the presence of an observer and two party agents if available
South African Government. Published 1 December 2010.
Where to look: Section 7, PDF page 5: section 48(1)(a) now covers physical disability 'including blindness or other visual impairment'; section 48(2) now requires the presiding officer or a voting officer to help a voter with a disability or 'a voter who is unable to read', on request
Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC). Page is undated; read 18 October 2026.
Where to look: Section 'Physically disabled voters': choose someone to help you; the Presiding Officer can also help, with an observer and, if available, two agents present
The IEC has a voting aid called the Universal Ballot Template. It is a plastic frame that fits over the ballot. Its numbered windows have Braille and large raised print. This means you can mark your ballot on your own, in secret. It can also be used for special votes. It is meant for blind and partly sighted voters, and for older voters. It is also for people who find reading hard or have dyslexia, and people whose hands are not steady.
Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC). Page is undated; read 18 October 2026.
Where to look: Page text: the IEC and the SA National Council for the Blind developed the Universal Ballot Template (UBT) for an independent and secret vote; list of who can use it
Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC). Page is undated; read 18 October 2026.
Where to look: Page 1, sections 1 to 4 (what the UBT is, who can use it, used in local government elections) and section 5 (can be used for special votes at the station and at home visits)
Some voters can't travel to their voting station because they are ill, disabled or pregnant. They could apply for a home visit. Officials then come to them so they can vote on 2 or 3 November. Applications for 2026 are closed.
Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC). Page is undated; read 18 October 2026.
Where to look: Section 'How to apply for a special vote by home visit?': physically infirm, disabled or pregnant voters; officials visit the address in the application
Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC). Published 12 October 2026.
Where to look: Paragraph 2: voters unable to travel due to illness, disability or infirmity may apply for a home visit; applications closed 17h00 on 12 October 2026
After the vote
What happens after voting closes?
Votes are counted at the voting station as soon as possible after it closes. Sometimes the IEC picks another place to count. By law, the IEC must announce the results within seven days after the election.
South African Government. Published 11 July 2000.
Where to look: Section 56(1) and section 57(1), PDF page 21: counting starts as soon as practicable after the station closes; votes are counted at the voting station unless the Commission decides otherwise
South African Government. Published 4 October 1996.
Where to look: Section 5(1)(n), PDF page 4: the Commission must declare the results of elections for municipal legislative bodies within seven days after such elections
The IEC shares results as they come in. It does this at its national results centre, at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand. It also shares them on its results website and in its app.
Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC). Published 14 September 2026.
Where to look: Paragraphs 2 and 3: a national Results Operations Centre and nine provincial ones give access to voting and results information; national ROC at Gallagher Convention Centre, 19 Richards Drive, Midrand
Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC). Published 14 October 2026.
Where to look: Section 'Logistics and Infrastructure', last paragraph: national ROC at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, launched on 28 October 2026
Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC). Page is undated; read 18 October 2026.
Where to look: Paragraph 1: get election results; feature list: set notification preferences for results
New councillors start their job on the day the IEC announces the results.
South African Government. Published 1 June 2021.
Where to look: Sections 10(b) and 11(c): new section 22(5) and section 23(5) of the Structures Act, an elected councillor assumes office on the date the Electoral Commission declares the results
The new council's first meeting must be called within 14 days after the IEC announces the results. At that meeting, the councillors elect a speaker (the person who runs council meetings).
South African Government. Published 18 December 1998.
Where to look: Section 29(2), PDF page 17 (first meeting within 14 days after the council has been declared elected) and section 36(2), PDF page 20 (speaker elected at the first sitting)
Parliament of the Republic of South Africa. Page is undated; read 18 October 2026.
Where to look: Clause 4, page 3: shows the current section 29(2) wording, 'within [14] days', which the bill proposes to change to 30; a bill is not law until passed and signed
The councillors choose the mayor, not the voters. The mayor is one of the councillors. They choose at a meeting within 14 days of the council's election. They vote in secret. To win, a person needs more than half the votes. If no one gets that, the person with the fewest votes drops out. Then they vote again.
South African Government. Published 18 December 1998.
Where to look: Section 55(1)(a) and (3), PDF page 23 (executive mayor elected from among council members within 14 days of the council's election, using Schedule 3); sections 45 and 48(1)-(3), PDF page 22 (executive committee elected within 14 days of the council's election; mayor elected from it at the same time, using Schedule 3); Schedule 3 items 6 and 7, PDF page 46 (secret ballot, majority of the votes, elimination of the lowest candidate)
South African Government. Published 5 December 2002.
Where to look: Section 34: adds item 8(3) to Schedule 3, if two candidates are still tied at the further meeting, the presiding person decides by lot; items 6 and 7 unchanged
Every council chooses its mayor this way. In some councils, no party has more than half the seats. There, a person may need votes from councillors of other parties to win. This is how a coalition starts. A coalition is a group of parties that run a council together.
South African Government. Published 18 December 1998.
Where to look: Schedule 3 item 1 and items 6 and 7, PDF page 46: the same procedure applies whenever a council elects a speaker, mayor or executive mayor; the winner needs a majority of the votes
South African Government. Published 1 June 2021.
Where to look: Section 35: Schedule 3 item 1 re-enacted (now also covers whips); no separate rule for councils without a majority party
A council is elected for up to five years.
South African Government. Published 18 December 1998.
Where to look: Section 24(1), PDF page 16: the term of municipal councils is no more than five years
The 2026 elections in numbers
Voters elect 257 councils: 8 metros, 44 district councils and 205 local councils. The IEC says 10 526 seats are being voted for.
Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC). Published 16 September 2026.
Where to look: Paragraph beginning 'An unprecedented 136 790 candidates' (8 metropolitan, 44 district and 205 local municipalities) and the next paragraph ('There are cumulatively 10 526 seats to be contested')
There are 4 488 wards in 2026. That is 20 more than the 4 468 in 2021. The Municipal Demarcation Board (the body that draws ward borders) said this in December 2025. At that time, the wards of four KwaZulu-Natal municipalities were still waiting on court cases. Those wards are now final.
Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC). Published 10 December 2025.
Where to look: Paragraph beginning 'In 2021, the MDB delimited 4,468 wards' and the table 'Comparison of wards by province between 2016 and 2026', row 'TOTAL NUMBER OF WARDS'; section 'OUTSTANDING WARDS DUE TO LITIGATION' (183 wards in four KwaZulu-Natal municipalities pending court resolutions)
SAnews. Published 2 October 2026.
Where to look: Paragraph beginning 'The Premier also reported': the Municipal Demarcation Board 'has concluded the ward delimitation process for the 2026 elections, with 921 wards in the province contesting'
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