Today, Tuesday 3 November, is the final day of special voting for the local government elections. The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) says voting stations open at 08:00 and close at 17:00, and that this is the last opportunity to cast a special vote.

Everyone else votes on Election Day, Wednesday 4 November, at the station where they are registered.

Who can vote today

Only voters whose special vote applications were approved can vote today. The IEC approved 2,655,067 applications, up 131% on the 1,147,759 approved in 2021, according to the commission's pre-election briefing. Of these, 678,525 were approved for home visits, with KwaZulu-Natal accounting for the most at 143,714.

Approved voters who have not yet voted are urged to do so today. The IEC has said some eligible voters could not be reached on Monday and that approved home visits would continue.

What happened on day one

Special voting on Monday closed at 17:00. The IEC described the day as a success after ballot paper distribution delays in the City of Cape Town were resolved, and said all affected stations eventually opened and remained operational. It said the day's proceedings create "a solid basis for improved performance" on day two and on Election Day. The IEC has not published how many stations were affected or for how long, nor how many people voted.

Weather and conduct rules

Rain in parts of the Eastern Cape, including the King Sabata Dalindyebo district, made access to some stations difficult, and hot conditions persisted in several provinces. The IEC encourages voters to monitor local weather and take precautions.

Campaigning, canvassing, intimidation and attempts to influence voters inside stations are not permitted. Photographing a marked ballot is strictly prohibited, and it is an offence to intimidate electoral staff.

If you miss special voting

Voters who miss special voting may only be able to vote on 4 November at the voting station where they are registered. Bring your ID and check your station before leaving home.

What we do not yet know

  • How many special votes were cast on Monday and how many are cast today.
  • Whether any stations are disrupted by weather today.
  • How the IEC will handle approved voters who cannot be reached after today.