If you already know you won’t be able to make it to your voting station on 4 November, don’t panic. There is another option.
The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has opened applications for special votes on Monday, 21 September 2026.
Voters have until 5pm on Monday, 12 October 2026, to apply.
Special votes are designed for people who would otherwise not be able to participate in the elections on 4 November.
There are two types.
If you are physically unable to get to a voting station, you can apply for a home visit. If approved, an IEC official will come to you, but your address must be in the voting district where you are registered.
The second category is for voters who can get to a voting station but won’t be able to vote on Election Day. If their applications are approved, they can vote at their registered voting station on 2 or 3 November.
This includes people who will be working away from their voting districts on 4 November, including those in essential services and the media.
Other voters who may qualify to apply include:
- People living with disabilities
- Pregnant women
- Elderly people with mobility challenges
- People unable to vote on Election Day due to work-related commitments
Applications can be made at IEC local offices, on the IEC website, or by SMS to 32249.
