Three Days Left to Register for South Africa's 2026 Municipal Elections

Time is running out for South Africans who want to vote in this year's municipal elections.

The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has confirmed that eligible citizens have until midnight on Friday, 7 August, to register to vote or update their voting details online ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections. Once the voters' roll closes, no new registrations or updates will be accepted until after the election.

The elections, scheduled for 4 November 2026, will determine who governs South Africa's municipalities, including metropolitan, district and local councils. These are the leaders responsible for many of the services that directly affect people's daily lives, from water and sanitation to refuse collection, roads and local infrastructure.

For young South Africans, the deadline comes against the backdrop of historically low voter participation. Previous municipal elections saw significantly lower registration and turnout among younger voters compared to older age groups, despite local government being the sphere of government that has the most direct impact on everyday life.

Those who still need to register, update their address or check their registration status can do so through the IEC's online voter portal before the deadline.

How to register

Visit the IEC's online voter portal:
https://registertovote.elections.org.za

South Africa's municipal elections will take place on 4 November 2026.