REMINDER: SPECIAL VOTE APPLICATIONS FOR 03 FEBRUARY 2026 BY-ELECTIONS. 

The Electoral Commission (IEC) – Western Cape will conduct by-elections on Tuesday, 03 February 
2026, in Ward 04 Langeberg (Bonnievale) Local Municipalities. Registered voters in the affected wards are reminded and encouraged to participate in the by-elections to ensure that their votes count.

The by-elections falls on a Tuesday due to the statutory timelines triggered by the vacancies, which requires the Commission to set an election date within a prescribed period, even if it differs from the usual Wednesday voting day.

Applications for special votes for these by-elections open on Monday, 19 January 2026, and close 
on Friday, 23 January 2026 at 17:00.

Types of Special Votes
There are two categories of special votes:
1. Voting Station Visit: A registered voter who is unable to vote at their designated voting 
station on Election Day may apply to cast a special vote at the voting station prior to Election 
Day.
2. Home Visit: A registered voter who is physically infirm, has a disability, or is unable to travel 
to their voting station may apply to cast a special vote at their place of ordinary residence 
within their voting district in the ward.

How to Apply
Voters may apply for a special vote by visiting www.elections.org.za to submit an online 
application. Alternatively, for voting station special votes only, voters may apply via SMS (at a cost 
of R1.00) by sending an SMS to 32249.
Applications may also be submitted manually by downloading the Special Vote Application Form 
(MEC35) from www.elections.org.za or by collecting the form from a local IEC office. Completed 
manual applications must be returned to the local IEC office.
Manual submissions of the MEC35 form can be made at the following IEC local office:

 Langeberg Local Municipality: 
Thusong Centre, c/o Paddy and Wesley Street, Robertson
Applicants may track the status of their special vote application at www.elections.org.za.

Special Vote Dates
Special votes at voting stations and special vote home visits will take place on Monday, 02 February 
2026, from 08:00 to 17:00, the day prior to the by-elections on Tuesday, 03 February 2026.
Voters must present a Green Barcoded ID Book, a Smartcard ID, or a valid Temporary Identification 
Certificate to vote.

For further information, voters may contact their local IEC office during office hours on weekdays at 
(022) 921 3546 (Cederberg) and (023) 626 1067 (Langeberg). 

Issued by: 
Michael Hendrickse
Western Cape Provincial Electoral Officer
Electoral Commission of South Africa
For media inquiries: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Office: 021 - 910 5700
19 January 2026