Away from home today? Why you can't vote at another voting station

No. In today's local government elections you can only vote at the voting station where you are registered, the IEC says. If you are in another town or ward on 4 November, you can't walk into the nearest station and cast a ballot there (IEC, IOL).

Why can't I vote at any voting station today?

Local elections are about your ward and your municipality. Your ballots list the candidates and parties for the council where you live, so the IEC requires you to be registered in the voting district where you currently live and to vote there (IEC, EWN).

What about Section 24A, which let people vote elsewhere in 2024?

Section 24A of the Electoral Act let voters in the 2024 national and provincial elections vote outside their district, but only if they told the IEC in advance, during a window in that election's timetable (IEC Section 24A page). The 2026 local election timetable lists no such notification period, and the IEC's guidance for this election is that you vote where you are registered (IEC timetable, EWN).

How do I check where I'm registered?

Sources: IOL, IEC

What time do I have to get back by?

Stations are open from 7am to 9pm. If you are in the queue at 9pm, you will still be allowed to vote (IOL). That gives you the whole day to travel back to your own station if you are away.

What do I need to bring?

Your green barcoded ID book, smart ID card or a valid temporary ID certificate from Home Affairs. Driver's licences, passports, student cards and photocopies are not accepted (IOL).