IEC Ramps Up Election Readiness with National Online Voter Registration Campaign

The Electoral Commission announces countrywide Online Voter Registration Campaign, marking a key milestone in preparations for the upcoming 2026 local government elections and expanding access to voter registration for millions of South Africans.

The campaign, went live this week across media platforms, calling on eligible South Africans to register online, update their voter details, and verify their registration status ahead of election day later in the year.

In 2021, the Electoral Commission introduced the online portal - a self-service voter registration system - which has proven effective among eligible South Africans. It enables citizens to register, update, and verify their details remotely, significantly improving the accessibility, efficiency, and integrity of the voter registration process.

This year alone, the portal recorded 26,743 newly registered voters, bringing the total number of registered voters to 27,718,204. The highly sought-after youth demographic now accounts for 7,756,911 registered voters, underscoring the urgent need to intensify efforts to mobilise young people ahead of the 2026 local government elections.

Furthermore, the Electoral Commission is intensifying voter registration and civic education initiatives at institutions of learning nationwide, reinforcing civic and democracy drives aimed at young people.

Eligible South Africans aged 16 years and older, with a valid identity document, can register   to   vote   or   update   their   details   on   the   online.  Visit Registertovote.elections.org.za today – the process is quick, safe, and easy. Your vote is your power, and democracy starts with you taking action today.

The Electoral Commission reminds South Africans that in these elections, voters will only be permitted to vote at the voting station where they are registered. It is therefore essential that voters ensure their registration details, including their voting district and voting station, are correct and up to date ahead of Election Day.  

ISSUED BY THE ELECTORAL COMMISSION

Ensuring free, fair and credible elections

For media queries: Please contact Kate Bapela on 082 600

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