Where do I vote? Find your voting station in 1 minute for 4 November

Voting stations open at 7am and close at 9pm on Wednesday, 4 November 2026, and you can only vote at the station where you are registered (IEC). Not the one closest to work, not the school down the road. Here's how to check yours in under a minute.

How do I find my voting station?

Use any of these official IEC channels (SAnews, IEC):

Sources: IEC registration FAQ, SAnews.

The SMS reply confirms whether you're registered and gives your voting station's name. Most stations are in schools, churches or community halls, and some are tents or mobile vehicles in rural areas. All have large signs outside (IEC).

What time do voting stations open and close?

From 7am to 9pm on 4 November (IEC). If you're in the queue at 9pm, stay in it. Special voting ran on 2 and 3 November from 8am to 5pm (SAnews).

Why can't I vote at any station?

This is a municipal election, so your ballot is tied to your ward. Voters must vote where they are registered (SAnews). If you moved and didn't update your address before the voters' roll closed, check your SMS reply to see which station you're still listed at.

What ID must I bring?

A smart ID card, a green barcoded ID book or a valid temporary ID certificate. Driver's licences, passports, student cards and photocopies of your ID are not accepted (SAnews).

How many ballots will I get?

In a metro such as Johannesburg, Tshwane, Cape Town or eThekwini, you get two: a ward ballot for your councillor and a party (PR) ballot for the council. In a local municipality you get three, the extra one for the district council (SAnews).

What happens inside?

A door controller scans your ID and hands you a slip confirming you're registered. Officials check the voters' roll, mark your thumbnail with ink and give you your ballots (IEC, SAnews).