Final day for 2.6 million early votes as special voting closes

Special voting closes today, and the Democratic Alliance has urged the 2.6 million South Africans it says are eligible to vote early to use the last day if their applications were approved.

The party put the figure at 2.6 million in a post on X on Tuesday, framing the final day of special voting as a chance for those voters to “make your voice heard ahead of Election Day”.

Special votes are cast ahead of the main polling day by voters who have been granted permission to do so, typically those unable to reach a station on Election Day itself. The DA’s message was directed at people whose special vote has already been approved, and it pointed them to a WhatsApp number, 060 014 0305, to check their voting arrangements. Voters were told to have their ID ready.

The party’s appeal is a get-out-the-vote push rather than a statement of new electoral rules. Whether the 2.6 million figure reflects approvals granted or applications received is not stated in the post, and the Electoral Commission of South Africa has not been quoted on the number.

For voters who applied, the practical question on the final day is a simple one: whether their arrangement has been confirmed, and where and when they are due to cast the ballot. The DA’s advice is to check before setting out, and to bring an ID.