Elections 2026: What is a spoilt vote? Here are 7 examples [photos]

Put your ‘X’ in the boxes and move on. That’s the protocol for voting in the upcoming 2026 Local Government Elections.

But there are always voters who end up getting this simple task very, very wrong.

It’s not just a handful of voters, either: thousands of people register a “spoilt vote” in every election, with varying degrees of purpose.

Were you aware that an incredible 204 847 South Africans queued to vote five years ago in the 2019 general election, but submitted ballot papers that were spoilt.

Don’t spoil your ballot!

Some choose to register a protest vote and intentionally vandalise their ballot paper.

Others, however, accidentally end up getting their vote chalked-off.

Whether it’s through sheer carelessness or a genuine lack of knowledge, a mismarked ballot paper can end up muting your own democratic voice.

The IEC has prepared for this, and explained to us what constitutes a spoilt vote.

Elections 2026: What is a spoilt vote?

• Any writing across the names of the listed parties

There’s only one place you’re allowed to make your mark, and it’s in the empty box.

• Making your cross take up more than one box

Your ‘X’ can only occupy one box, otherwise it can’t be counted. “Voter-spreading” will not be tolerated!

• Additional writing with arrows

Keep your comments to yourself, any additional information about your vote will not count!

• Writing words in the box is forbidden

The box is for crossing only! Any other form of marking will lead to a spoilt vote.

• Marking more than one box on the ballot

If you “cross out” the parties you don’t want to vote for, your ballot is null and void. One ‘X’, one party. That is all.

• Whatever this monstrosity is

Before our heads explode, we’ll say it again – CROSSES ONLY. Any attempt to circle or “fill in” a box is a spoilt vote.

• Casting a vote for two parties

God may love a trier, but the IEC doesn’t. If you’ve tried to vote for more than one party during the 2026 elections, none of your votes will count. The very definition of counter-productivity.

Bookmark The South African website’s Elections 2026 hub for the latest news you need to know.