Election Day is an important part of South Africa’s democracy, giving eligible citizens an opportunity to participate in choosing the country’s leaders.
Also see: Zolani Mahola speaks on ‘people power’ before elections
While voting is a personal choice, how people conduct themselves at polling stations also matters.
From respecting other voters to following Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) rules, good election-day etiquette helps ensure that the voting process remains peaceful, orderly and fair.
Whether you are a first-time voter or have participated in previous elections, here are some important things to do and avoid when heading to the polling station.
What voters should do
1. Check your voting station before leaving home
Before heading out, confirm your allocated voting station and check the IEC’s official announcements for relevant voting information. Taking time to verify the details can help prevent unnecessary delays or confusion.
2. Bring the required identification
The IEC requires voters to present a valid South African identity document. Accepted forms include a green barcoded ID book, a smart ID card or a valid temporary identity certificate. A driver’s licence or passport is not an accepted voting document.
3. Be patient and respect the queue
Polling stations can become busy, particularly during peak hours. Voters should wait their turn, follow instructions from election officials and avoid pushing, arguing or attempting to jump the queue.
4. Respect everyone’s right to vote
South Africans have different political opinions and party preferences. Voters should respect those differences and allow others to make their choices without intimidation, harassment or unnecessary confrontation.
5. Follow instructions from election officials
IEC officials are responsible for managing the voting process at polling stations. Voters should listen to their instructions, follow the procedures and ask for assistance if they are unsure about any part of the process.
Also see: IEC set to launch national results centre ahead of local government elections
What voters should not do
6. Do not take photographs of your marked ballot
Your vote is secret. Avoid taking photographs of your completed ballot or sharing images that reveal your voting choice. The IEC specifically warns against photographing marked ballot papers.
7. Do not campaign at or around the voting station
Election Day is not an opportunity to persuade people to vote for a particular political party or candidate at the polling station. Campaigning and political persuasion within voting-station boundaries are prohibited.
NATJOINTS has also warned that campaigning on Voting Day is not permitted and that violations may result in law-enforcement action.
8. Do not intimidate or threaten other voters
Threatening, harassing or attempting to influence someone through intimidation goes against the principles of free and fair elections.
The Electoral Code of Conduct requires political parties and candidates to speak out against political violence and threats. Voters should also contribute to a peaceful environment by allowing others to exercise their democratic rights freely.
9. Do not disrupt election officials
Avoid arguing with IEC staff, obstructing their work or interfering with election materials. If you experience a problem, raise it calmly with the presiding officer, who is responsible for managing the voting station.
10. Do not mark or damage your ballot unnecessarily
When completing your ballot, follow the instructions provided by election officials. The IEC advises voters to make a clear cross in the appropriate box.
If you make a mistake before placing your ballot in the box, ask the presiding officer for a replacement. Once a ballot has been placed in the ballot box, it cannot be retrieved.
What to remember before heading to the polls
South Africa’s 2026 Local Government Elections are scheduled for Wednesday, 4 November 2026. Voting stations will be open from 07:00 to 21:00.
According to the IEC, voters should:
- Confirm their registration details and designated voting station.
- Carry an accepted identity document.
- Allow enough time for queues.
- Follow instructions from election officials.
- Keep their ballot papers private.
- Ask the presiding officer for assistance if they encounter difficulties.
For local government elections, voters must cast their ballots at the voting station where they are registered.
