IEC confirms voting stations, urges voters to verify details
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) in Mpumalanga has finalised arrangements for the 2026 local government elections, confirming that residents will cast ballots at 1 861 voting stations across the province on 4 November 2026. The commission has also completed distribution of most non-security election material to local municipalities in preparation for special voting and election day.
IEC spokesperson Thanduxolo Chembeni gave a breakdown for the City of Mbombela, which will operate 288 voting stations — comprising 284 permanent, four temporary and one mobile station. Chembeni said temporary stations are used where there are no permanent structures, while the mobile station will serve gazetted stopping points inside the Kruger National Park.
“A temporary voting station is where we pitch a tent because there are no structures, and the mobile station is in the Kruger National Park where we have gazetted stopping points,” said Chembeni.
Record number of special votes in province
Mpumalanga received 292 775 approved special votes for this election. Nationally the IEC has approved 2 655 067 special vote applications, an increase of 131% compared with the similar period ahead of the 2021 local government polls.
The commission has distributed the bulk of non-security election materials to municipalities to ensure readiness for special voting on 2 and 3 November, and for election day on 4 November. Special vote applications opened on 21 September and closed on 17 October.
How voters can confirm their voting station
The IEC is encouraging voters to confirm where they should vote before heading to the voting station. Voters can use three main channels to check their details and to obtain their voters’ roll sequence number, which helps locate a name on the roll:
- SMS: Send your ID number to 32810 and receive voting station details and your sequence number.
- Contact centre: Call 0800 11 8000 to speak to an agent in your preferred language and obtain the sequence number.
- WhatsApp: Send “Hi” to 0600 88 0000 and use the “Am I registered” menu to get confirmation of your voting station and sequence number.
What to expect at the voting station
When voters arrive at their voting station they will receive ballot papers determined by the type of municipality in which they are registered. Voters should bring acceptable identification and their ID number to facilitate verification on the voters’ roll. The IEC has said poll staff will use the voters’ roll sequence number to speed up identification.
Electoral staff and municipal officials remain responsible for ensuring that temporary and mobile stations are accessible and compliant with election regulations. Voters who are uncertain about facilities at a specific station should confirm through the contact channels above or consult their local municipality.
Practical considerations for voters and communities
With a high volume of special votes approved in the province, voters who applied for special votes should check the times and locations where those will be cast. Ordinary voters should also confirm their station to avoid delays on election day.
| Item | Number |
|---|---|
| Total voting stations in Mpumalanga | 1 861 |
| Voting stations in the City of Mbombela | 288 (284 permanent; 4 temporary; 1 mobile) |
| Approved special votes in Mpumalanga | 292 775 |
| Approved special votes nationally | 2 655 067 |
The IEC has reminded political parties, election observers and voters that ongoing distribution of materials continues and that security elements are being finalised. Voters should arrive early on 4 November, allow extra time for queues at busy stations, and ensure they have checked their voting station and sequence number in advance.
For further information on specific voting stations or enquiries about accessibility and special arrangements, contact the IEC through the numbers and channels listed above or visit the election website at www.elections.org.za.
