South Africans who missed the final voter registration weekend still have until midnight on Friday, 7 August, to register or update their details ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections.
The Electoral Commission (IEC) has urged eligible voters not to wait until the last minute, warning that registration channels typically become busier as deadlines approach.
Voters who were unable to visit a registration station during the weekend can register or update their details through the IEC’s Online Voter Registration portal before the registration period closes.
The Commission has also introduced voter registration via WhatsApp, providing another way for citizens to register or update their voter information using their mobile phones.
To use the service, voters can WhatsApp “Hi” to 0600 88 0000. The platform uses secure identity verification, including one-time-password authentication, ID document uploads, address verification and voting-station confirmation.
Some voters using WhatsApp may be directed to the IEC’s online registration platform to verify their residential address using an interactive map.
Those who prefer to register in person can also make use of registration stations. During the final registration weekend on 1 and 2 August, more than 1.7 million citizens interacted with the IEC, including 291 806 first-time voters.
The IEC said the registration drive also saw significant participation from young people. Of the 1.7 million transactions recorded during the weekend, 485 757 involved people aged between 16 and 29, while 46% of new registrations were by voters under 29.
Citizens can register from the age of 16, although only those who are 18 or older are eligible to vote.
The IEC has also stressed the importance of ensuring that registration details are correct, particularly for voters who have moved. In local government elections, voters must vote at the voting station where they are registered, meaning those who have changed addresses should update their details before the deadline.
Voters can check their registration status by SMSing “myID” followed by their ID number to 32810.
The IEC’s contact centre, 0800 11 8000, is also available to assist with registration queries.
The 2026 Local Government Elections are scheduled for 4 November, with the formal election timetable set to follow the proclamation on Friday, 7 August. – SAnews.gov.za
