Why every vote matters in local government elections

By Neo Semono
With South Africans set to head to the polls on Wednesday, 4 November 2026, the choice facing registered voters is more than merely putting a mark on the ballot paper. It is an opportunity to influence decisions that affect the everyday lives of communities – from water and electricity to sanitation and local development.

“Every vote does count, as cliché as that sounds, particularly in this era of coalition politics. You do not need to agree with everything that a party stands for to vote for it. This is in fact rarely the case,” senior researcher at the Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI), Kate Tissington, told SAnews.gov.za. 

PARI is a non-profit African research institute affiliated to the University of Johannesburg and Wits University and undertakes research and advocacy on state capacity, public governance and accountability. It also conducts research on the relationship between the state and society.

It is all systems go for the country’s seventh local government elections, with voting stations set to open their doors at 7 am.

Why vote?
Section 19 of the Constitution's Bill of Rights guarantees every citizen the right to free, fair and regular elections. The Constitution also provides for a multi-party system of democratic government and assigns the Electoral Commission responsibility for managing elections and ensuring they are free and fair.

“You can vote for different parties and candidates if this makes sense to you, and splitting your vote between parties is a democratic right,” Tissington said.

According to the Electoral Commission website, voting gives one the opportunity to be part of decision-making that affects “your life and the future of our country.”

According to the Commission, people who do not vote leave decisions affecting their lives to those who do.

The Commission further added that elections have consequences and that citizens have the power to decide on the quality of life they want for themselves, their communities and even future generations.

“Voting is your chance to stand up for the issues you care about. This is your life: take the time to help decide what's best. Voting - rather than just venting on social media or protesting – is the best way to make your voice heard and make a positive input on the issues that concern you,” said the Commission.

It added that not voting means giving up one’s voice and that voting provides a chance to choose how one’s taxes are spent – such as on funding for social services, healthcare and schooling.

Democracy also works if people participate, and voting provides an opportunity for change.

“If you're thinking that right now you've got better things to do with your time and you'll vote next time, think again! Five years is a long time to be stuck with something that you don't want or doesn't work,” said the Commission.

Local government elections are held to elect councillors to municipalities, including metropolitan, district and local councils.

“Local government elections are extremely important because they directly affect our lives and everyday wellbeing,” the researcher told SAnews.gov.za.

What voters should consider
Tissington highlighted that citizens are frustrated by the poor record of service delivery, adding that voters should consider whether political parties are honest and how they intend to improve municipalities going forward.

“Voters should consider whether parties are being honest about past failures and are talking coherently about how they will do things differently. Parties and councillor candidates need to be engaging in the details of the ‘how’ of improving municipalities,” Tissington explained.

Local government elections focus on local issues, such as water, sanitation, electricity, roads, refuse removal and local development. Voters also elect ward councillors and municipal councils.

What is expected of ward councillors 
The role of ward councillors is to consult with local communities on their needs and priorities and to represent community concerns in council discussions and decision-making.

“Some of the qualities we should be looking for in a ward councillor include someone who will do the job honestly, transparently, and in the best interests of the community. We want councillors who will attend meetings, be responsive, and communicate well with communities. They must support their ward committees and regularly report to their communities on the municipality’s performance.”

In addition, ward councillors are chairpersons of ward committees and must ensure that regular meetings take place and that these important participatory structures are functioning properly, as they are the bridge between communities and municipalities.

“Ward councillors must inform the community about council’s decisions and monitor the performance of the municipality. This means that ward councillors must be accessible and responsive, involving the community in the council’s planning and decision-making processes and using their vote and voice in the council to advance the interests of their constituency,” she said.

Voter turnout 
With more than 29 million voters on the voters’ roll, the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) has urged every registered voter to prioritise the upcoming election and help choose ethical, capable and accountable leaders who will shape the future of local government.

In addition, in a report on the preparations ahead of the elections to the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Local Government Elections, the Electoral Commission recently emphasised that it is preparing for a 100% turnout on Election Day.

“Within this context, the IMC continues to call for all stakeholders to continue with the mobilisation of all registered voters to show up at the voting stations to cast their ballots,” the IMC said.

Voter turnout in the last local government elections in 2021 stood at 45.86%.

President Cyril Ramaphosa officially announced 4 November 2026 (which is also a public holiday) as the date for the local government elections in April.

Making the announcement at the Extended Presidential Coordinating Council (PCC) meeting in Ekurhuleni, the President also stressed the importance of increasing voter turnout, particularly among young people.

“Many parties are already ensuring that they talk to their voters, their supporters, and get voters to be registered, to come forward and vote. 

“Voter turnout is always a concern to political parties and indeed to the State or the government because the fewer people who vote, the more we get concerned about the status of our democracy.

“Our task is to increase voter turnout, to get as many people as possible, especially young people, to come out, register and vote,” the President said at the time.

With the first of two days of special voting underway, registered voters still have an opportunity to participate in Wednesday's elections and help shape decisions affecting their communities.

None of us can afford to sit on the fence. -SAnews.gov.za

Source: Original report at SAnews.gov.za.