IEC Seminar Calls for Digital Push to Boost Youth Voter Turnout Ahead of 2026 Local Elections
The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has urged a stronger focus on digital tools to draw young people into voting, highlighting how online platforms can turn youth interest into real action at the polls. This message came out strong during a thought leadership seminar in Durban on Thursday, 4 December, themed “Digital Democracy: Leveraging Digital Technology to Promote Youth Participation”. With local government elections set for 2026, the event brought together leaders from politics, schools, youth groups and civil society to brainstorm ways to reverse falling voter numbers among the under-35 crowd.
The gathering at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre stressed that tech-savvy young South Africans are active online but often skip elections. Speakers called for fresh ideas like apps, social media drives and easy online sign-ups to make voting feel relevant and simple. As the country works to build a more inclusive democracy, this push could help close the gap where many young voices stay silent on election day.
Declining Youth Votes: A Wake-Up Call for Change
Provincial Electoral Officer Ntombifuthi Masinga opened by pointing to worrying trends: research shows fewer young people turning out to vote, leaving a big chunk of the population out of key decisions. She said the seminar was a chance to start real talks on turning digital buzz into ballot box wins. “Research continues to show a decline in voter participation among young people,” Masinga noted, urging everyone to find ways to spark interest.
This mirrors national stats: in the 2024 elections, youth turnout lagged behind older groups, with many citing a lack of info or feeling disconnected from politics. The IEC aims to change that by meeting young people where they spend time – on phones and social media.
Digital Tools as Game-Changers: Expert Views on Innovation
Professor Upasana Gitanjali Singh from the University of KwaZulu-Natal stressed that investing in tech is key to getting youth involved. “Today, the need before us is digital transformation, an imperative driven not only by technological advancement but by the expectations and behaviours of our citizens, especially our youth,” she said. Singh highlighted how online platforms can make learning about elections fun and easy, like through videos or interactive quizzes.
Thabile Mdluli from the Centre for Community Development South Africa (CCDSA) and Bayanda Gumbi from Luma Learn agreed, saying groups must go where youth are – on apps like TikTok and Instagram. “Voting should be an everyday conversation, that should be held by all of us in our different capacities to ensure that young people are always well informed and know how to tackle key issues that affect them,” Mdluli added.
Josias Pila from the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) talked about closing the digital gap to let more young people join in. He said better access to internet and devices is crucial for fair participation.
These ideas build on global trends, where countries like Estonia use e-voting to boost turnout. In South Africa, with over 70% of youth online, tech could be the bridge to higher voter numbers.
IEC’s Digital Steps: From Social Media to New Podcast
The IEC shared its own tech efforts, boasting about 500,000 followers on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and WhatsApp. These channels share voting tips, myth-busters and live Q&As to keep things engaging.
Looking ahead, the IEC plans a new podcast in 2026 for in-depth chats on elections, plus an upgraded WhatsApp channel for quick updates. These tools aim to make info accessible and fun, turning passive scrollers into active voters.
Singh praised the IEC’s online voter registration portal as a prime example. “Registering to vote used to require physical presence at a station, access to transport, and awareness of registration weekends—barriers that disproportionately affected young people who were studying far from home, frequently moving between residences, or living in areas where transport was costly.
“Today, a young person can register in a few minutes using a smartphone. They can update their address instantly when they move for studies or work. They no longer depend on sporadic registration weekends or travel logistics.
“This shift is profound: it takes voter registration from being an administrative burden to being a seamless digital experience—something a young person can do in the same space where they order food or communicate with friends,” she explained.
Voters can sign up or update details at https://registertovote.elections.org.za/. The IEC reminds everyone to register in their home ward for accurate representation.
Challenges Ahead: Bridging the Digital Divide
While digital tools offer promise, speakers noted hurdles like uneven internet access in rural areas and townships. Pila stressed that without closing this gap, many youth will stay left out. Solutions include cheaper data, public Wi-Fi and device drives.
Misinformation online also worries experts, with calls for fact-check campaigns to counter fake news that turns people off voting.
A Call to Action: Every Voice Counts in 2026
The seminar wrapped with a strong push for all – from schools to NGOs – to make voting a hot topic. By using tech smartly, South Africa can boost youth turnout, making democracy stronger and more inclusive.
As 2026 elections near, this event sets the tone for a digital-first approach. For young South Africans, it’s a chance to shape their future – one click at a time.
With tools like the portal already making waves, the IEC’s drive could inspire record youth votes, ensuring tomorrow’s leaders have a say today.
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