Special-vote applications close at 17:00 on Monday 12 October, the IEC reminds voters
Applications for special votes in the 4 November local elections close at 17:00 on Monday 12 October (SAnews, EWN, SABC News, Oudtshoorn Courant). Home-visit special votes are for people who cannot reach a station because of their physical condition. Voting-station special votes are for people who can attend a station but not on election day; approved voters in that group vote on 2 and 3 November. Apply online at elections.org.za, by SMS to 32249 (R1 per SMS, voting-station votes only) or by handing a form to a local IEC office. The IEC sends an SMS with the outcome.
Special votes protect the right to vote for the sick, the elderly and people working on election day, and turnout in local elections is historically low.
If you cannot vote at your station on 4 November, apply by 17:00 on Monday. If you do not hear back, you can still vote at your station on election day.
A simple deadline that many people miss. If you know someone who is ill, elderly or working on 4 November, tell them today.
DailyDrop South Africa edition No. 2 · Morning · TUE., OCT. 6, 2026