Ballot delays disrupt special voting across Cape Metro

The first morning of special voting in the 2026 local government elections has been affected by ballot delivery delays in the Cape Metro, with 217 voting stations unable to open at the scheduled 08:00 start on Monday, 2 November.

The disruption comes as thousands of eligible voters across the country begin casting their ballots ahead of Wednesday’s main election day, with the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) working to get the affected stations operational as ballot papers arrive.

The IEC in the Western Cape confirmed that the delays were linked to unforeseen challenges in the delivery of special voting ballots by the printing company contracted to produce them, according to Nova News.

In an update issued on Monday morning, the South African Government News Agency reported that Western Cape Provincial Electoral Officer Michael Hendrickse had acknowledged the delays, explaining that the commission and its printing contractor had encountered unexpected delivery problems.

‘Despite the best efforts of the IEC and the printing company contracted to carry out the production of the ballots, there has been an unforeseen delay in the delivery of Special Vote ballots in some areas,’ Hendrickse said.

The affected stations were expected to open as soon as their ballot papers were delivered, with the IEC describing the situation as ongoing.

Hendrickse also sought to reassure voters that security arrangements were in place for the transportation and delivery of the outstanding ballots.

‘This is a fluid situation, as these voting stations are opening as ballots are received. Citizens are assured that all security measures are in place for the transport and delivery of the special vote ballots,’ he said.

The disruption is limited to the Cape Metro, with voting stations in the Western Cape’s outer regions reported to be operating as scheduled.

Hendrickse apologised to voters affected by the delays and reiterated that the commission intends to use both designated special voting days to accommodate those whose applications were approved.

‘This only affects the Cape Metro and I want to apologise for the inconvenience to our voters. Reports confirm that voting stations in the outer regions of the [Western Cape] are operating smoothly,’ he said.

Nova News also highlighted the IEC’s commitment to ensuring that eligible voters are given an opportunity to cast their ballots on 2 and 3 November, despite the initial disruption.

The special voting period is intended for registered voters who have been approved to vote ahead of election day, either because they cannot reach their registered voting stations due to physical infirmity or disability, or because they will be unavailable to vote at their usual stations on Wednesday, 4 November.

The ballot delays come as the IEC prepares to facilitate a substantial number of special votes nationally.

The commission confirmed that 2 655 067 voters had been approved for special voting across South Africa.

Of these, eligible voters will either cast their ballots at their registered voting stations or receive home visits, depending on the category under which their applications were approved.

Special voting takes place on Monday, 2 November, and Tuesday, 3 November, ahead of the main local government election on Wednesday, 4 November.

The latest operational challenges follow earlier scrutiny of the IEC’s preparations for the 2026 local government elections.

Previous reports on the ANC’s dispute with the electoral commission over councillor candidate nominations, after the party raised concerns about candidates allegedly being excluded from final lists.

The matter later proceeded through the courts ahead of the November elections.

With special voting now under way, attention turns to the commission’s ability to ensure that all approved voters in the affected Cape Metro areas can access their ballots during the two-day period.

Cape {town} Etc has contacted the IEC for further details and comment on the ballot delivery delays, the affected voting stations and the arrangements being made to accommodate voters who were unable to cast their ballots at the scheduled opening time. Further information will be added as it becomes available.

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Picture: Getty Images

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