South Africans heading to the polls on Wednesday, 4 November, will receive either two or three ballot papers in the 2026 Local Government Elections, depending on where they are registered to vote.

The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has explained that voters in metropolitan municipalities will receive two ballot papers, while those in local municipalities outside the country’s eight metros will receive three.

Each ballot paper represents a separate choice, meaning voters must make one clear cross (X) on every ballot they receive if they wish to cast a vote in each contest.

READ | Elections 2026: What is a spoilt vote? Here are 7 examples [photos]

Why do some voters get two ballots and others three?

The number of ballot papers depends on the municipality in which a voter is registered.

Voters in metropolitan municipalities receive two ballot papers:

  • Ward ballot: To choose a candidate to represent their ward on the metropolitan council.
  • Proportional representation (PR) ballot: To choose a political party for representation on the metropolitan council.

Voters in local municipalities outside metropolitan areas receive three ballot papers:

  • Ward ballot: To choose a ward councillor.
  • Local council PR ballot: To choose a political party for representation on the local municipal council.
  • District council PR ballot: To choose a political party for representation on the district municipal council.

The third ballot is used in areas where voters elect representatives to both a local municipal council and a district municipal council.

READ | Here’s how many registered voters are in your province

How many crosses must you make?

The basic rule is simple: one ballot paper, one cross.

If you receive two ballot papers, you can make two crosses. If you receive three, you can make three crosses.

On each ballot, place one clear X in the box next to your chosen candidate or political party. Do not mark more than one option on the same ballot, sign it, write your name on it or add unnecessary marks, as these could result in a spoilt vote.

You also do not have to vote for the same political party on every ballot. Your ward candidate choice can differ from your party choice on the proportional representation ballots. Each ballot is counted separately.

What happens if you make a mistake?

If you mark a ballot incorrectly, do not put it into the ballot box.

Instead, approach the presiding officer and ask for a replacement ballot paper. The incorrect ballot can then be cancelled before a new one is issued.

Once a ballot paper has been placed in the ballot box, it cannot be removed.

What should voters remember on election day?

Before leaving for the voting station, make sure you know where you are registered and have an accepted identity document.

At the station, election officials will verify your registration details and issue the appropriate number of ballot papers.

Are you registered to vote – and will you be doing so?

Let us know by clicking on the comment banner below …