Election 2026 | Register, register, register

(Photo: Tania Heyns)

The first registration weekend in the run-up to this year’s local government elections is in full swing.

A total of 23 706 polling stations nationwide opened at 08:00 in the hope that as many South Africans as possible will register to finally draw their cross on 4 November.

(Photo: Tania Heyns/Maroela Media)

The electoral roll currently stands at 28 million registered voters. It stood at 27.7 million during the 2024 general election.

However, political parties hope that millions more South Africans will register to vote this year, as this year’s election will not only have a direct effect on service delivery over the next five years but will also have consequences for the general election in 2029.

The Electoral Commission (EC) explained in the run-up to the registration weekend that the correct placement of voters in wards, in the context of a local election, is an important element for the delivery of free and fair elections.

(Photo: Tania Heyns/Maroela Media)

The IEC therefore appeals to every voter to update their details, especially their address. This will place them on the correct ward segment of the electoral roll.

Voter registration weekend is a golden opportunity to ensure that voters’ details are accurately captured and updated.

Registration stations are open on Saturday and Sunday between 08:00 and 17:00. Voters can also register online.

(Photo: Tania Heyns/Maroela Media)