As South Africans head to the polls for the 2026 local government elections, Rivonia Circle director Tessa Dooms shares advice on voter conduct, patience, political intimidation and misinformation to help ensure a peaceful Election Day.
By Mapaballo Borotho
South Africans are heading to the polls today to exercise their democratic right to vote in the local government elections.
These elections are significant because they determine who makes decisions on residents’ behalf at municipal level – and who is responsible for addressing the issues affecting their communities.
As voters make their way to voting stations, it is important to understand what is permitted at the polls and what could interfere with another person’s right to vote.
Rivonia Circle Director Tessa Dooms unpacks some of the important do’s and don’ts voters should keep in mind during the 2026 Local Government Elections.
Make your voice heard – without intimidating others
Dooms says the most important thing voters can do is show up and participate in the democratic process.
“The most important thing to do today is to show up at the polls. It is important to show up in numbers and make our voices heard.
No one, not even political parties, is allowed to communicate with you [at the voting station] or convince you about which party to vote for.
This is because, in an election environment, the climate for intimidation, extortion and threats is incredibly high because the stakes are high.”
Voters may wear political regalia, but they should not use it to intimidate or pressure others. Dooms also advises voters to avoid asking people in queues which party or candidate they intend to vote for, and to refrain from political conversations that could make others feel pressured.
Be patient and give yourself enough time
Dooms says voters should avoid planning their day too tightly around other activities, as voting can take time.
“Don’t plan your day around groove. You need to give yourself enough room when voting to ensure that you make the right choice for yourself. Don’t have braai dates, you need time because elections are a human process. A high level of patience is needed, and it is for a good cause because this is a once-every-five-years type of thing,” she added.
Voters should also remember that factors beyond anyone’s control, including weather conditions, could affect the process and cause delays.
Think before you post
Dooms warns voters against sharing videos or images of voting stations without context, as this could create confusion or contribute to misleading narratives.
Voters are also urged to be cautious of misinformation deliberately circulated to deceive the public or undermine confidence in the electoral process.
It is important to verify information before sharing it, particularly claims about political parties, voting stations or the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC).
Respect everyone’s right to vote
Every eligible voter has the right to participate in the elections without intimidation or obstruction.
Hiding or withholding someone’s identity document to prevent them from voting is unlawful and may carry serious consequences. Voters should also avoid intimidating others, damaging political party property or interfering with the voting process.
Election-day do’s and don’ts
Do:
- Make time to vote and be patient.
- Respect other voters’ right to make their own choices.
- Follow instructions from election officials.
- Verify information before sharing it.
- Report intimidation or interference to election officials or the relevant authorities.
Don’t:
- Photograph or share an image of your marked ballot.
- Intimidate, threaten or pressure anyone to vote for a particular party or candidate.
- Ask other voters who they are voting for or pressure them to discuss their choices.
- Share misleading information about political parties, voting stations or the IEC.
- Damage political party posters or property.
- Obstruct or interfere with voting.
Listen to the podcast for the full conversation with Tessa Dooms on the do’s and don’ts voters should keep in mind on Election Day.
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