LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER TO VOTE: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE 2 AUGUST
The IEC says it is ready for the 2026 Local Government Elections. The final voter registration weekend takes place on 1–2 August 2026. If you are not registered or have not updated your voting address, you will not be able to vote in November.
The Electoral Commission (IEC) says it is ready for the 2026 Local Government Elections, with Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo confirming preparations are on track ahead of election day on Wednesday, 4 November 2026.
The voter registration weekend on Saturday, 1 August and Sunday, 2 August 2026 is your last opportunity to register or update your voting details before the elections.
If you are not registered by the deadline, you will not be able to vote in the 2026 Local Government Elections.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The final voter registration weekend is:
Saturday, 1 August 2026 and Sunday, 2 August 2026.
After this weekend, voter registration closes for the upcoming elections.
WHY SHOULD I REGISTER?
Registering allows you to have your say in who runs your municipality for the next five years.
Your vote helps decide who is responsible for:
- Water supply
- Electricity
- Roads and potholes
- Waste collection
- Housing
- Parks and public facilities
- Municipal budgets
- Local economic development
These are the services that affect your daily life.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON’T REGISTER?
If you are not registered, you cannot vote in the Local Government Elections.
That means you will not be able to vote for:
- Your Ward Councillor
- The political party you want represented in your municipality.
I MOVED TO A NEW AREA. WHAT SHOULD I DO?
If you have changed your home address since you last registered, you should update your voting address with the IEC.
This can be done online or during the registration weekend.
Voting in the correct ward ensures you receive the correct ballot papers for your community.
WHERE SHOULD I REGISTER?
Register where you ordinarily live.
You should vote in the community where you live because those elected representatives will make decisions affecting your neighbourhood.
CAN I UPDATE MY DETAILS ONLINE?
Yes. You can update the IEC Website.
If you have moved or your address has changed, you can update your details through the IEC’s online voter portal before registration closes.
I’M TURNING 18. CAN I REGISTER?
Yes.
Every South African citizen aged 18 years or older may register and vote.
If this is your first election, now is the time to become part of South Africa’s democracy.
WHY SHOULD YOUNG PEOPLE VOTE?
Young people often say they want:
- More jobs
- Better roads
- Safer communities
- Reliable water and electricity
- Better public transport
- Improved recreational facilities
Local government plays a major role in these issues.
If young people don’t register and vote, others will make those decisions on their behalf.
Your vote is your voice.
WHAT WILL WE BE VOTING FOR?
On Wednesday, 4 November 2026, voters will elect the councils that will govern municipalities for the next five years.
You will vote for:
- A Ward Councillor, who represents your local ward and community.
- A political party for proportional representation in your municipal council.
WHY ARE THESE ELECTIONS IMPORTANT?
Local government is the sphere of government closest to the people.
Councillors make decisions about municipal services, infrastructure, budgets and community development.
Whether you are concerned about water outages, electricity interruptions, potholes, crime prevention, housing or local economic growth, these elections will influence the direction of your municipality.
DON’T LEAVE IT TOO LATE
If you are already registered, take a few minutes to check that your voting address is still correct.
If you have never registered before, make this weekend count.
Remember: No registration means no vote.
The future of your community starts with your name on the voters’ roll.
