The special vote caters to the elderly, ill, pregnant, and people who cannot get to voting stations on the day. There are 3 ways to apply for a special vote, by filling in an online application form, by SMS’ing 32249 for a special vote at a voting station only, or by approaching your local IEC office and submitting a form. If approved, this category of voters also includes police officers, nurses, doctors and members of the media who can cast their ballots on 30 or 31 October.