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Check the claim
Myth Buster
Plain-language fact-checks on claims circulating ahead of the 4 November 2026 local government elections. Each check shows the claim, our finding, the evidence and the sources.
False The evidence contradicts the claim.Misleading Contains some truth but leaves out context that changes its meaning.Verification guide How to check this kind of claim yourself.
FalseElections
The claim
“If you don't vote, your vote automatically goes to the biggest party.”
Our finding: There is no mechanism that transfers an unused vote to any party. Not voting simply means you have not taken part in deciding the outcome.
Evidence and sources
Seats are allocated only from ballots actually cast and counted at voting stations.
The Electoral Commission has repeatedly corrected this claim; during the June 2026 registration weekend it described abstaining as choosing not to take part in determining the outcome.
No ballot is issued, marked or counted on behalf of a registered voter who stays away.
“You can still register to vote for the 4 November elections.”
Our finding: Registration for these elections has closed. The voters' roll closed at midnight on 10 August 2026 and was certified on 26 August 2026.
Evidence and sources
The election timetable fixed the close of the voters' roll at midnight on 10 August 2026, the day the timetable was published.
The roll was open for inspection from 11 to 18 August and was certified on 26 August 2026.
Messages offering 'late registration' links for this election are not from the Electoral Commission. You can check whether you are registered by SMSing your ID number to 32810.
“You need a smart ID card to vote — the green ID book is no longer accepted.”
Our finding: The green bar-coded ID book is still accepted. You can vote with a smart ID card, a green bar-coded ID book, or a valid Temporary Identity Certificate.
Evidence and sources
The Electoral Commission recognises three forms of identification: the smart ID card, the green bar-coded ID book and a valid Temporary Identity Certificate.
Coverage of the 2026 registration drive confirms the same three documents are required on voting day.
Driver's licences and passports are not on the list of accepted documents.
“Special votes are only for people who are sick or disabled.”
Our finding: Partly true, but incomplete. Special votes are also for registered voters who cannot be at their voting station on 4 November — for example essential-services workers and the media.
Evidence and sources
Applications are open from 21 September until 17:00 on Monday 12 October 2026.
You can apply online at elections.org.za, at your local IEC office, or by SMSing your ID number to 32249 (for a voting-station special vote only).
Home-visit votes are for voters who cannot physically travel. Approved voters cast special votes on 2 and 3 November 2026.
Make sure your registration details are correct before you apply.
Our finding: Ballots differ by municipality. Metro voters receive two ballots (ward and proportional representation); voters in other local municipalities also receive a third for their district council. Some metros have double-column ballots.
Evidence and sources
Each ballot lists the parties and candidates contesting that specific ward or council, so ballots vary across the country.
Where more than 48 parties contest a PR ballot, the IEC uses a double-column ballot. This applies in Johannesburg, Tshwane, eThekwini, Ekurhuleni and Cape Town.
Some ward ballots in metros are also double-column because of the number of candidates.
Our finding: Video can be edited, clipped out of context or generated with AI. Treat a shocking clip as a lead, not proof, until you can trace it to its source.
Evidence and sources
Find the original upload and the full-length version — short clips often remove context.
Look for unnatural movement, mismatched lighting, unusual hands or blurred edges.
Under the Electoral Commission's 2026 Disinformation Code, parties and candidates must clearly label AI-generated content before distributing it.
Suspected election disinformation can be reported to Real411.