Final voter registration weekend is here – Here’s what you need to know
· The South African
With fewer than 100 days to go before South Africa’s 2026 Local Government Elections, the Electoral Commission (IEC) is urging eligible citizens to take part in the final voter registration drive this weekend, on Saturday, 1 August, and Sunday, 2 August.
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The weekend marks the last opportunity to register at voting stations before the election date is officially proclaimed.
Once registration weekend concludes, the IEC expects the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs to announce the official date for the 2026 Local Government Elections.
Who can register this weekend?
To register to vote, you must:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be 16 years or older (although you can only vote from the age of 18).
- Have one of the following original Home Affairs documents:
- A green barcoded ID book.
- A Smart ID card.
- A valid Temporary Identity Certificate (TIC).
No other forms of identification will be accepted.
Where can you register?
There are several ways to register or update your voter information:
- At any voting station during the registration weekend on 1 and 2 August.
- Online using the IEC’s Voter Information Portal before the election date is proclaimed.
- At your local IEC office during office hours (appointments are recommended).
Online registration also allows voters to update their address, apply for a special vote, confirm their voting station and view important election dates.
When should you update your details?
Even if you’re already registered, the IEC says you should update your information if:
- You have moved to a new address.
- Your registered address is incomplete or incorrect.
- You have received a new ID number.
- Your ward or voting district boundaries have changed.
Keeping your details up to date helps ensure you can vote at the correct voting station on election day.
How to check your voter registration status
If you’re unsure whether you’re registered, you can check your status in several ways:
- Visit the IEC website or Voter Information Portal.
- SMS your South African ID number to 32810.
- Use the IEC WhatsApp chatbot on 060 088 0000.
- Call the IEC’s toll-free call centre on 0800 11 8000 (when available).
- Use the IEC mobile app.
- Visit your voting station during the registration weekend.