Voters Warned Photographing Ballots Is Illegal
The Electoral Commission reminds South Africans ahead of Wednesday's local government elections that photographing a completed ballot paper breaks the law.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Civic Engagement
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The Electoral Commission has reminded South Africans that photographing a completed ballot paper is illegal ahead of local government elections on Wednesday. Roughly 29 million registered voters are expected to head to the polls.
Why it matters
Photographing a cast ballot breaches the electoral code of conduct, so voters are being told to keep their choices private. The reminder comes as a large registered electorate prepares to vote across the country.
Official Electoral Commission figures put registered voters at roughly 29 million, with metropolitan voters receiving two ballot papers and local municipality voters receiving three. Turnout projections and enforcement figures for the ballot photography ban were not provided.
The players
Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC)
The Electoral Commission is the independent body responsible for managing elections in South Africa and setting the rules that voters and officials must follow.
The details
The Electoral Commission said voters may take selfies of their ink-marked thumbs but must not photograph completed ballots. The IEC recommends marking a single X next to the chosen party or candidate, though other marks are accepted if the choice is clear. Voters who spoil a ballot can ask an election official for a replacement.
Timeline
Wednesday: Local government elections take place across South Africa.
Context
The photography ban is an existing provision of the electoral code of conduct that the Electoral Commission is re-emphasising for the current local government elections. It keeps the secrecy of the ballot intact as South Africa's electorate of about 29 million votes.
Voters who photograph their marked ballot risk breaching the electoral code of conduct, so they should keep their choice private. Voters can confirm their voting station by SMS-ing their ID number to 32810 for R1 or by WhatsApp-ing "Hi" to 0600 880 000.
The takeaway
Keeping your ballot private protects both your choice and your compliance with the law. Confirm your voting station before Wednesday so you know where to go.
What happens next
Local government elections take place on Wednesday, with voting stations open to registered voters across the country.
Further reading
Explore more coverage of Civic Engagement in South Africa.
More information
Check your registered voting station on the Electoral Commission voting station lookup.
Source note: This article includes information reported by EWN Traffic.
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