South Africa Opens Special Vote Applications for 2026 Elections

The Electoral Commission of South Africa opened applications for special votes for the 2026 Local Government Elections on September 21. Registered voters who cannot cast their ballots on the general election day, scheduled for November 4, have until 17:00 on October 12 to apply.

The special voting process is divided into two categories. The first provides home visits for individuals physically unable to travel to a voting station. The second allows voters who can travel but will be unavailable on election day—specifically including essential services personnel and media workers away from their districts—to vote at their registered stations on November 2 or 3.

Eligible citizens can submit applications through the official commission website, via SMS for voting-station requests, or by hand-delivering forms to local offices. The commission stated that these special votes are meant to ensure access for persons who would otherwise be unable to participate in the elections.