Voting on 4 November? Only 3 IDs are accepted. Check yours now

You need one of three documents to vote in the local government elections on Wednesday, 4 November 2026: a green barcoded ID book, a smart ID card or a valid temporary identity certificate. The Electoral Commission (IEC) lists no other options, so a driver's licence, passport or a photo of your ID on your phone won't get you a ballot (IEC, IEC factsheet).

Voting stations are open from 07:00 to 21:00 (IEC timetable).

Which ID documents are accepted?

• Green barcoded South African ID book
• Smart ID card
• Valid temporary identity certificate from Home Affairs

The door controller at the entrance checks and scans your document before you go in (IEC). You must also be a South African citizen, 18 or older on voting day and registered on the voters' roll (IEC factsheet).

What if my ID is lost or my smart ID hasn't been collected?

Sort it out at Home Affairs before 4 November. Home Affairs has asked people who still need to replace a lost or damaged ID, or who haven't collected one, to do it now rather than at the last minute. You can apply at a Home Affairs office or at one of more than 450 participating bank branches, listed at myhomeaffairsonline.dha.gov.za (Home Affairs).

A smart ID that's still waiting at an office doesn't help you on the day. If a new card won't be ready in time, ask Home Affairs about a temporary identity certificate, which the IEC accepts.

How many ballots will I get?

It depends on where you're registered (IEC factsheet):

• Metro voters get two: a grey and white ward ballot for a candidate, and a yellow ballot for a party on the metro council.
• Voters in local municipalities get three: the ward ballot, a yellow ballot for the local council, and a green ballot for the district council.

The eight metros are Johannesburg, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, Cape Town, eThekwini, Nelson Mandela Bay, Buffalo City and Mangaung (IEC factsheet).

What happens inside the voting station?

Officials find your name on the voters' roll, cross it off and ink your left thumbnail. You then get your ballots, each torn from a pad with a unique number. Check that every ballot has an official stamp on the back, because the official at the ballot box will look for it. If you use a green ID book, it gets stamped too (IEC).

How do I avoid a spoilt ballot?

Make one clear mark on each ballot paper. If you make a mistake, call an official and ask for a new ballot rather than trying to fix it. Fold your ballots in half before leaving the booth (IEC).

Don't photograph your marked ballot. The IEC says this isn't allowed (IEC).

Can I vote at any station?

No. In this election you can only vote at the station where you're registered. Our guide on how to check your voting station covers the SMS, WhatsApp and online options.