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Special voting enters second and final day in local elections

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Voting stations are open from 8am to 5pm for special votes in the 2026 Local Government Elections. The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) said close to 99% of voting stations opened on time on Monday, the first day.

Special votes are for registered voters who are physically infirm or disabled, or who cannot get to their voting station on Election Day. Election officials also visit some of these voters at home on 2 and 3 November.

The Commission said ballots for special votes reached some areas of the Western Cape late, which it called an unforeseen delay. Michael Hendrickse is the Western Cape Provincial Electoral Officer.

The Commission said voters who miss the home visit are not disenfranchised. They can still vote at their voting station on 4 November 2026. It also said the first day created a solid basis for better performance on day two and on election day.

Key facts

Who
Michael Hendrickse (Western Cape Provincial Electoral Officer); Independent Electoral Commission (electoral body running the special votes (referred to as the IEC and the…); Electoral Commission (Election management body)
What
Special voting for the 2026 Local Government Elections continues on its second and final day, for registered voters approved to cast special votes such as those who are physically infirm or disabled or who cannot present themselves at their voting station on Election Day. The Commission reported close to 99% of voting stations opened on time on day one, and there was an unforeseen delay in…
When
3 November 2026
Where
South Africa, Western Cape, Cape Town
Status
Reported

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