The Electoral Commission (IEC) has expressed satisfaction following a successful voter registration weekend held in preparation for the 2026 Local Government Elections, with strong turnout recorded across the Free State.
Over the two-day registration drive this weekend, a total of 145 576 voters were assisted at 1 614 voting stations province-wide, reflecting what the Commission has described as a positive demonstration of democratic participation.
Of those processed, 19 896 were new voter registrations, while 89 082 voters re-registered within the same voting districts. A further 36 598 voters updated their voting districts to ensure their details are correctly aligned ahead of Election Day.
Youth participation was also noted, with 1 004 voters aged 16–17, 12 017 aged 18–21, and 132 555 voters aged above 21 completing registration activities during the weekend.
In terms of gender representation, 81 332 female voters and 64 244 male voters took part in the process.
The IEC said the registration weekend from 20-21 June, ran smoothly across the province.
“The Electoral Commission is encouraged by the positive voter registration turnout and expresses appreciation for the active participation demonstrated by eligible citizens,” the Commission said.
The Commission reiterated its commitment to ensuring accessible and inclusive voter registration processes, adding that online registration and verification services remain available for those who were unable to visit voting stations during the weekend.
Eligible citizens are encouraged to use the digital platform to register, update their details, and confirm their voting station information ahead of the 2026 elections.
IEC voter’s portal: https://www.elections.org.za/pw/
Compiled by Gypseenia Lion
 recorded strong participation during a voter registration weekend in the Free State ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections, with over 145 000 voters processed across 1 614 voting stations.){kind=link}