Millions of South Africans had already cast their ballots by mid-morning on Wednesday, 4 November, as the 2026 Local Government Elections got off to a largely smooth start across the country, Cape {town} Etc reports.
The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) reported that 98% of the country’s 23 696 voting stations had opened by 07:00, with 3 523 691 votes recorded by 10:00 from a total of 29 230 808 registered voters.
The Western Cape had recorded 461 264 votes by mid-morning, placing it third nationally behind Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.
Gauteng led the provincial figures with 895 384 votes, followed by KwaZulu-Natal with 623 380. The Eastern Cape recorded 431 123, Limpopo 366 378, Mpumalanga 252 859, North West 204 736, the Free State 195 537 and the Northern Cape 93 030.
The Electoral Commission reported that over 3.5 million voters have made their mark by 10am today. https://t.co/fj6dtPmDAs
— SABC News (@SABCNews) November 4, 2026
Most voting stations open despite delays
The IEC described the start of voting as encouraging, with voters arriving at stations early to participate in the municipal elections. However, a handful of stations only opened by 09:00 following localised protests and access difficulties caused by heavy conditions in parts of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.
The Commission confirmed that all ballot papers had since been delivered, although a few arrived shortly after voting began. New technology has also been introduced to improve efficiency. Handheld barcode scanners connected to Voter Management Devices, together with sequence numbers on the voters’ roll, are intended to speed up voter verification and reduce waiting times.
The IEC said the devices were functioning optimally.
Know which ballot papers to expect
Unlike national and provincial elections, the number of ballot papers issued during local government elections depends on the type of municipality. Voters in local municipalities receive three ballots: a grey one for their ward councillor, a green one for their preferred political party in the local council and a yellow one for party representation in the district council.
Those voting in metropolitan municipalities receive two ballots: a grey ballot for their ward councillor and a green ballot for their preferred party in the metropolitan council. The IEC has reminded voters to make only one clear cross in the designated box on each ballot paper. Selecting more than one candidate or party, or adding extra marks, could result in a spoilt ballot.
Special assistance is also available for blind and visually impaired voters through Universal Ballot Templates, which allow Braille users to mark their choices independently.
How to check your voting station
The IEC is investigating the theft of unused ballot papers and a voting stamp in eThekwini. The matter has been reported to the South African Police Service (SAPS), and a case has been opened. The Commission said precautionary measures had been taken to prevent the stolen ballot papers from being used unlawfully.
Voters who are unsure where they are registered can confirm their details through the IEC’s available channels. These include:
- WhatsApp: Send your ID number to 0600 88 0000.
- SMS: Send your ID number to 32810. Each SMS costs R1.
- Telephone: Call the IEC contact centre on 0800 11 8000.
- Online: Visit www.elections.org.za.
Voters will receive the name of their registered voting station and their sequence number on the voters’ roll. The IEC has also acknowledged the Department of Home Affairs for making its offices available to assist members of the public with collecting identity documents and applying for IDs.
With voting under way across all nine provinces, the Commission is encouraging registered voters to use the remaining voting hours to make their voices heard.
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Picture: @PresidencyZA / X
