You do not need a Smart ID card specifically to vote in the local government elections on Wednesday, 4 November. A green barcoded ID book or a valid temporary identity certificate is also accepted, according to government guidance.
For registered voters still waiting to collect an identity document, Home Affairs has announced longer opening hours before and on election day. This guide brings together the document requirements and collection arrangements, checked on 31 October.
Which documents can I use?
Bring a Smart ID card, green barcoded ID book or valid temporary identity certificate. The government’s SAnews service confirmed these accepted documents in its 27 October guidance.
A driving licence, passport, student card or photocopy of an identity document is not accepted for voting. The document requirements apply to registered voters; possessing an ID alone does not establish that someone is registered.
When will Home Affairs offices be open?
- Monday, 2 November, and Tuesday, 3 November: 08:00 to 18:00.
- Wednesday, 4 November, election day: 07:00 to 21:00.
These are South African times. In its 27 October notice, the department said the extended hours would apply at its front offices so eligible voters could collect completed IDs, apply for identity documents or obtain temporary identity certificates where applicable.
The notice gives a general 08:00–18:00 period beginning on 2 November, then specifies the longer 07:00–21:00 opening hours for election day itself.
What if my ID has not been collected?
Home Affairs has urged people whose documents are ready to collect them before voting. If an ID has been lost or damaged, government guidance directs citizens to Home Affairs to arrange replacement documentation.
The extended-hours announcement does not guarantee that a new Smart ID application will be completed before election day. Ask Home Affairs about the appropriate documentation, including a temporary identity certificate where applicable, rather than assuming that submitting an application is enough.
