The Western Cape’s 1 623 registration stations will open their doors this weekend as the Independent Electoral Commission prepares for the final voter registration drive ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections.
Stations across the province will be open from 08:00 to 17:00 on Saturday 1 August and Sunday 2 August, with eligible citizens needing only their green ID book, SMART ID or temporary ID certificate to register.
Strong response to digital registration
The Western Cape currently has 3 407 683 registered voters. Since the previous registration weekend, there have been 122 110 registration transactions in the province, with 75% completed through the online voter registration portal.
Provincial Electoral Officer Michael Hendrickse said the Commission is pleased with the response. “The IEC is pleased with the consistent registration pattern shown by citizens. It speaks to a willingness to make a difference through the ballot,” he said.
The Commission is encouraging all eligible citizens to register or update their details on the voters’ roll. Those who have moved or changed addresses since first registering should update their information, as voters can only vote at the station in the voting district where they are registered during local government elections.
Technology ready for weekend rush
Hendrickse confirmed all systems are ready for the weekend. “Our Voting Management Devices are charged with a battery life of 72 hours. In addition, these devices work and can capture information in off-line mode even if, for some reason, there is no network coverage,” he said.
During the previous registration weekend, five voting stations in outlying rural areas were inaccessible due to storm damage. IEC officials have since completed registrations in these communities.
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Safety concerns addressed
The registration drive comes as many communities, particularly on the Cape Flats, continue to experience high levels of criminal violence. The IEC confirmed it will continue working with SAPS, local law enforcement and community policing forums to protect voters and staff.
Hendrickse congratulated Lieutenant General Sizakhele Dyantyi on his appointment as Western Cape Police Commissioner. “We wish him success in leading policing efforts in the province and we will continue to work with him and his team as we head to elections,” he said.
Those unable to visit a registration station can register online at www.elections.org.za. The online portal is zero-rated and available 24/7 until the official proclamation of the elections. The voters’ roll closes on the proclamation date, after which no further registration or changes are allowed.
To check registration status, citizens can SMS their ID number to 32810, visit the IEC website, or call the toll-free number 0800 11 8000 from a landline.
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