{"id":43214,"date":"2026-10-15T09:25:37","date_gmt":"2026-10-15T07:25:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/?p=43214"},"modified":"2026-10-15T09:25:38","modified_gmt":"2026-10-15T07:25:38","slug":"local-elections-4-november-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/local-elections-4-november-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Local Elections 4 November 2026: A Voter\u2019s Guide To Your Ward, Ballots, ID And Public Holiday Pay"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">South Africans go to the polls on Wednesday, 4 November 2026, to elect the councillors who run their cities, towns and wards. Election day is a public holiday, and voting stations will be open from 7am to 9pm.<\/p><div id=\"gaute-600371169\" class=\"gaute-after-paragraph-1 gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These are the country\u2019s sixth local government elections since 1994, and the contest is bigger than ever. The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) received 142 072 candidate nominations, about 43% more than in 2021. After checking, it certified 136 790 candidates to contest 10 526 council seats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here is everything Gauteng voters need to know before they head out, from finding your voting station to what to do if you can\u2019t make it on the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key Dates And Times<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>What<\/th><th>When<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Special votes (approved applicants only)<\/td><td>Monday, 2 and Tuesday, 3 November, 8am to 5pm<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Election day (public holiday)<\/td><td>Wednesday, 4 November, 7am to 9pm<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Special vote applications<\/td><td>Closed on 12 October<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Voters\u2019 roll<\/td><td>Closed on 7 August<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you did not register or update your details before the voters\u2019 roll closed in August, you will not be able to vote in this election.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 1: Check Your Ward And Voting Station<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before election day, confirm that you are registered and find out exactly where to vote. You can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Use the IEC\u2019s online Voting Station Finder at <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.elections.org.za\/vsfinder\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">maps.elections.org.za\/vsfinder<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Check your registration status at <a href=\"https:\/\/registertovote.elections.org.za\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">registertovote.elections.org.za<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>SMS your ID number to 32810 (R1 per SMS) to confirm your registration details<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Find your current ward councillor by SMSing your ID number to 32245 (R1 per SMS)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Call the IEC call centre on 0800 11 8000<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The IEC will run 23 696 voting stations across the country on election day, so check yours even if you voted in 2021. Stations sometimes move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>ALSO READ:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/iec-launches-new-media-app\/\">IEC Launches New Media App Ahead of 2026 Local Elections<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">You Can Only Vote Where You Are Registered<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is the most important difference from national elections. In local government elections, you must vote at the voting station in the ward where you are registered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the 2024 national and provincial elections, some voters could cast a ballot at a different station. That does not apply now, because your ward vote is for a specific local councillor and your council vote is for a specific municipality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you moved after registering and didn\u2019t update your address before 7 August, you will have to return to your old voting station to vote.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-781670602\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What To Bring On Election Day<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You need a valid South African identity document. The IEC accepts:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A green, barcoded South African ID book<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A smart ID card<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A valid Temporary Identity Certificate (TIC)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Driver\u2019s licences, passports and photocopies of your ID will not be accepted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It also helps to bring water, a hat or umbrella and something to eat in case of long queues, especially in the afternoon heat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Happens Inside The Voting Station<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>An official checks your ID against the voters\u2019 roll for that station.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your thumbnail is marked with ink to show you have voted.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You receive your ballot papers. Check that each one has an official stamp on the back.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You mark your choices privately in the voting booth.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You fold your ballots and place them in the correct ballot boxes.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you make a mistake, don\u2019t put the ballot in the box. Ask an election official for a replacement. Once a ballot is in the box, it cannot be removed or replaced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What The Ballots Look Like<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">How many ballots you receive depends on where you live.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Metro voters get two ballots.<\/strong> In Gauteng, this applies to the City of Johannesburg, the City of Tshwane and the City of Ekurhuleni.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>The ward ballot<\/strong> lists the candidates standing in your ward, with their names, photos and party logos, or \u201cindependent\u201d for those without a party. You vote for the person you want as your ward councillor.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The proportional representation (PR) ballot<\/strong> lists political parties with their names, abbreviations and logos. You vote for the party you want to run your municipal council. Seats are shared out according to each party\u2019s overall support.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Voters in local municipalities get three ballots.<\/strong> In Gauteng, this includes Emfuleni, Midvaal and Lesedi in Sedibeng, and Mogale City, Rand West City and Merafong City in the West Rand. Along with the ward and PR ballots, these voters receive a district council PR ballot to choose the party they want running the district municipality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The IEC is using a two-column layout because so many parties are contesting. In Gauteng\u2019s metros the PR ballots will be long, with 75 parties contesting in Johannesburg and 70 in Tshwane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tips for marking your ballot<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Make one clear mark, such as a cross or tick, next to your choice on each ballot.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keep your mark inside the box for your chosen candidate or party.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do not write your name or anything else on the ballot, as this can make it invalid.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-781670602\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Municipalities Actually Control<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Local government is the level of government you deal with most often. Your municipal council is responsible for many of the services that affect daily life, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Water and sanitation:<\/strong> Supplying clean water and managing sewerage<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Electricity:<\/strong> Distributing electricity in areas where the municipality, not Eskom, supplies power, and setting local tariffs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Roads and stormwater:<\/strong> Fixing potholes, maintaining municipal roads and managing drainage<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Refuse removal:<\/strong> Collecting rubbish and managing landfill sites<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Street lighting and traffic lights<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Local planning and building plans:<\/strong> Zoning, land use and approving building plans<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Parks, libraries, community halls and sports facilities<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Traffic and by-law enforcement:<\/strong> Including metro police in the metros<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fire and emergency services<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Property rates and service tariffs:<\/strong> What you pay each month for rates, water, electricity and refuse<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some services that people often blame councillors for are run by other levels of government. Most schools, hospitals and SAPS policing are handled by provincial or national government, although municipalities can still advocate for their communities on these issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your ward councillor is your direct link to the council. They should hold ward committee meetings, report faults and take up community concerns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Working On 4 November? Know Your Right To Double Pay<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">President Cyril Ramaphosa declared 4 November a public holiday under the Public Holidays Act so that South Africans can vote. Because it is an official public holiday, the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) pay rules apply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>If 4 November is a normal working day for you and you work:<\/strong> You are entitled to at least double your ordinary daily wage, or your ordinary wage plus what you earn for the work done, whichever is more.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>If it is a normal working day and you don\u2019t work:<\/strong> You are entitled to your normal pay for the day.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>If you would not normally work on a Wednesday but are asked to:<\/strong> You are entitled to your ordinary daily wage plus pay for the work you do.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Work on a public holiday must be agreed between employer and employee. If you have to work, speak to your employer early about when you can get to your voting station, as stations are open until 9pm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-781670602\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What If I Can\u2019t Make It On Election Day?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Special vote applications are closed.<\/strong> The deadline was 5pm on 12 October, so you can no longer apply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your special vote application was approved, you can vote:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>At your voting station<\/strong> on Monday, 2 November, or Tuesday, 3 November, between 8am and 5pm<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>At home<\/strong>, if you applied for a home visit because you are elderly, infirm, living with a disability or pregnant. IEC officials will visit you on one of those two days.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you did not apply for a special vote, the only way to vote is at your own voting station on 4 November. There is no postal vote for local elections, and you cannot vote at a different station.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you plan to travel, make sure you are back in your ward on election day, or try to vote early on the day before you leave. Stations open at 7am.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Other Things Happening Around Election Day<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Matric exams:<\/strong> The Department of Basic Education has confirmed that no NSC exam papers are scheduled on election day. Matrics who are registered voters can vote without missing a paper. Read more in our guide: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/matric-exams-2026-dbe-security\/\">Matric Exams 2026: DBE Tightens Security For 962 832 Candidates And Shares Free Study Resources<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>SASSA grants:<\/strong> If you receive a social grant and are wondering about payment dates around the public holiday, read <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/disability-grants-election-day-2026\/\">Will Disability Grants Be Paid On Election Day? What SASSA Has Said About 4 November 2026<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What time do voting stations open on 4 November?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Voting stations are open from 7am to 9pm on Wednesday, 4 November 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I vote at any voting station?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. In local government elections, you can only vote at the voting station in the ward where you are registered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I still apply for a special vote?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. Special vote applications closed on 12 October 2026. Only approved applicants can vote on 2 and 3 November.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I use my driver\u2019s licence to vote?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. You need a green barcoded ID book, a smart ID card or a valid Temporary Identity Certificate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How many ballots will I get?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Voters in Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni get two ballots: ward and PR. Voters in other Gauteng municipalities get three: ward, PR and district council.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do I get paid extra if I work on election day?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If 4 November is a normal working day for you and you work, the BCEA entitles you to at least double your normal daily pay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How many candidates are standing in 2026?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The IEC certified 136 790 candidates for 10 526 seats, from 142 072 nominations, about 43% more than in 2021.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-781670602\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Make Your Vote Count<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your municipal council decides how your water, electricity, roads and refuse services are run for the next five years. Check your voting station today, keep your ID somewhere safe and plan your trip to the polls on 4 November.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>South Africans go to the polls on Wednesday, 4 November 2026, to elect the councillors who run their cities, towns and wards. Election day is a public holiday, and voting stations will be open from 7am to 9pm. These are the country\u2019s sixth local government elections since 1994, and the contest is bigger than ever.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":43216,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_focus_keyword":"Election,Local Elections 2026,Public Holiday,Gauteng Municipalities,Voters Guide","rank_math_title":"","rank_math_description":"Election Day 4 November 2026. Find your voting station, see what ID to bring, how the ballots work, special votes and your public holiday pay rights.","footnotes":"","_ppma_block_editor_authors":""},"categories":[47],"tags":[11545],"ppma_author":[11567],"class_list":["post-43214","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-news","tag-local-elections"],"authors":[{"term_id":11567,"user_id":7,"is_guest":0,"slug":"makhosazane","display_name":"Makhosazane","avatar_url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/08ae8e4b9b86dbda0979f667ab20cfeaa3877eb672acde59c0901ed43e1c05ab?s=96&r=g","author_category":"1","first_name":"Makhosazane","last_name":"Jiyane","user_url":"","job_title":"","description":"As an SEO Content Editor with a background in journalism and digital media, I have a passion for crafting high-quality, engaging, and informative content that connects with audiences and ranks on search engines. I believe in the power of storytelling, data-driven insights, and digital innovation to transform how information is shared and consumed. Through my work, I strive to make a meaningful impact - one article at a time."}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43214","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=43214"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43214\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":43217,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43214\/revisions\/43217"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/43216"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=43214"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=43214"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=43214"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ppma_author?post=43214"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}