Government

Voting on 4 November? Check your station now, you can't vote elsewhere

In the 4 November 2026 local elections you can only vote where you're registered. Check your station by SMS to 32810, WhatsApp 0600 88 0000 or online. The roll is closed.

By Reported Team

Electoral Commission banner and voting station sign on a fence outside Paarl Boys' Primary School
Lefcentreright via Wikimedia Commons, CC0

If you plan to vote in the local government elections on Wednesday, 4 November, you can only vote at the voting station where you're registered. The Electoral Commission (IEC) says there is no provision to vote anywhere else this time, so check your station before election day (IEC).

How do I check where I'm registered?

Any of these will give you your registration status and voting station:

  • SMS: send your ID number to 32810 (R1 per SMS) (IEC).
  • WhatsApp: send your ID number to 0600 88 0000 (IEC).
  • Online: enter your ID number at elections.org.za.
  • Map: look up your station's address with the IEC's voting station finder.
  • Phone: the IEC contact centre is on 0800 11 8000 (IEC).

The SMS and WhatsApp replies include your voters' roll sequence number. The IEC says giving that number to officials on the day helps them find you on the roll faster, so keep the message (IEC).

Can I still register or change my address?

No. The voters' roll closed at midnight on 7 August 2026, when the election date was proclaimed. No new registrations or address changes are accepted for this election (IEC).

That means if you moved after registering and didn't update your address in time, you'll have to go back to the station where you're registered. If you're not on the roll, you can't vote on 4 November.

Why can't I vote at any station?

In local elections your ward decides which councillor candidates are on your ballot, so the IEC only lets you vote in the voting district where you're registered (IEC). President Cyril Ramaphosa repeated this when he declared election day a public holiday, warning that votes can't be transferred to stations outside your ward if you travel (The Presidency).

What about special votes?

Special votes are only for people whose applications were approved. Home visits and station visits for special voters happen on Monday, 2 November and Tuesday, 3 November, from 08:00 to 17:00 (IEC timetable).

What do I need on election day?

  • Date: Wednesday, 4 November 2026, a public holiday (The Presidency).
  • Hours: voting stations are open from 07:00 to 21:00 (IEC).
  • ID: a green barcoded ID book, smart ID card or temporary identity certificate (IEC).

The Presidency has also asked employers to make provision for staff who work on the day to vote (The Presidency).

FAQ

How do I check if I'm registered to vote in South Africa?

SMS your ID number to 32810 (R1 per SMS), WhatsApp it to 0600 88 0000, or enter it at elections.org.za. You'll get your registration status and voting station.

Can I vote at any voting station on 4 November 2026?

No. In the 2026 local government elections you can only vote at the station where you're registered. The IEC says there is no provision to vote elsewhere.

Can I still register to vote for the 2026 local elections?

No. The voters' roll closed at midnight on 7 August 2026. No new registrations or changes to details are accepted for this election.

What ID do I need to vote?

A green barcoded ID book, a smart ID card or a temporary identity certificate.

What time do voting stations open on 4 November?

From 07:00 to 21:00. Wednesday, 4 November 2026 is a public holiday.

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