More than 2.6 million registered voters are expected to cast special ballots on Monday and Tuesday ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections on Wednesday, 4 November.
The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) confirmed that 2 655 067 voters had been approved for special voting.
Addressing a media briefing on Sunday, IEC Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo said 678 525 voters had been approved for home visits due to physical infirmity or disability, while 1 976 542 would vote at their registered voting stations.
Gauteng recorded the highest number of approved special voters at 480 721, followed by the Eastern Cape with 401 971 and KwaZulu-Natal with 348 971.
The IEC has deployed 127 000 electoral officials to administer the process. Voting stations will operate from 8am to 5pm on both days.
Voters are reminded that they can only vote at their registered voting stations and must present a valid Smart ID card, green barcoded ID book or Temporary ID certificate.
The Commission said special ballots would be securely stored and counted alongside ordinary votes on Election Day.
Meanwhile, the IEC has warned of possible rainfall in parts of KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Mpumalanga and the Western Cape, urging voters to monitor weather updates and plan accordingly.
The Commission is working with law-enforcement agencies to ensure a safe and secure voting process.
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