Electoral Commission clarifies law relating to campaigning on Election Day
Voting stations opened at 07h00 this morning to welcome voters to cast votes in today’s local government elections. Stations will remain operational to assist voters until 21h00 when they close. Voters within boundaries of voting stations will be assisted beyond the closing time.
It is important that clarity be provided to the legal position relating to campaigns on election day. In this regard, campaigning within the boundaries of voting stations is prohibited.
Aspects of campaigns within the boundaries of voting stations which everyone is prohibited from conducting include the following activities:
- The display or distribution of any party billboard, poster; placard or pamphlet;
- Attempt to induce, influence or persuade a person to vote or not to vote for a particular party; or
- Attempt to induce, influence or persuade a person not to vote.
Therefore, the only permissible political activity within the boundaries of voting stations is the casting of ballots. One of the first duties of the presiding officer is to establish the boundaries of the voting station in consultation with party agents.
However, there is no wholesale prohibition of political activity on voting day, provided first that it does not take place within the confines of the demarcated boundaries of the voting station. Therefore, political activity may take place outside the boundaries of the voting station. What is prohibited outside the boundaries of voting stations are certain forms of political activity such as political meetings, marches, demonstrations or other political events. In general, the law does not enforce campaign silence on election day.
Any person who contravenes this applicable legal framework will be guilty of an offence and upon conviction will be liable for a fine or a period of imprisonment not exceeding five years.
The Commission calls on political parties, candidates, party supporters and voters to observe the prescripts governing campaigning on election day. These provisions are intended to ensure that voters can freely exercise their right to vote on the one hand whilst on the other hand allowing low key campaigning to continue without organized public events.
Voters are encouraged to make their way to voting stations early. Importantly, voters are reminded to verify their registration details before going to the vote. The channels that may be used include the following:
- sending their ID number via WhatsApp to 0600 88 0000 or
- sending their ID by SMS to 32810 at a cost of R1 per SMS;
- Calling the contact centre on 0800 11 8000;
- Checking registration on www.elections.org.za
Voters will receive the name of their registered voting station, and their voters roll sequence number.
Get Up. Show Up. Vote on 4 November 2026!
For media queries: Please contact Kate Bapela on 082 600 6386
For media interviews: Email requests to spokesperson@elections.org.za
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