The Electoral Commission of South Africa is gearing up for the 2026 Local Government Elections with record-breaking special vote applications.
Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo will brief the media on the Commission’s readiness for the elections, which include special votes on 2 and 3 November. A total of 2 655 067 special vote applications have been approved, marking a 131% increase from the 2021 elections.
Record Special Vote Applications for 2026 Elections
The Electoral Commission of South Africa has seen a significant surge in special vote applications, with 2 655 067 approved ahead of the upcoming elections. This figure represents a remarkable increase from the 1 147 759 applications approved for the 2021 elections.
The special vote application period ran from 21 September to 12 October 2026, with applications categorized into home visits and voting station-based special votes. Home visits cater to voters unable to travel due to physical infirmity or disability.
Of the approved applications, 678 525 were for home visits, reflecting a 33.7% increase compared to 2021. The majority of applications, totaling 2 426 066, were submitted online, while 171 214 were manually submitted at IEC offices.
South Africa: Key figures on special vote applications
- 2 655 067 special vote applications approved
- 1 147 759 applications approved for the 2021 elections
- 678 525 home visit applications approved
- 507 407 home visit applications approved in 2021
- 2 426 066 applications submitted online
- 171 214 manually submitted applications
Security Measures for Upcoming Elections
As the elections approach, the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) will also provide updates on security readiness. Co-chairs from the South African Police Service, the South African National Defence Force, and the State Security Agency will address the media regarding their operational plans.
The South African Police Service has assured citizens of its preparedness to secure the elections, emphasizing months of planning to ensure safety during the electoral process.
Next Steps for the Electoral Commission
- Media briefing on the Commission’s readiness scheduled for this evening
- Completion of the application capturing process targeted for 16 October 2026
- Special voting to occur on 2 and 3 November
- Election Day set for Wednesday, 4 November
The upcoming elections in South Africa are set to witness unprecedented participation through special voting.
