How to register to vote in South Carolina

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Summary

South Carolina offers online voter registration. You can register by mail to vote in South Carolina by printing a voter registration form, filling it out, and mailing it to your local election office. You can also register to vote in person if you prefer.

Who can register to vote?

To register in South Carolina you must:
  • be a United States citizen
  • be at least eighteen years old on or before the next election
  • be a resident of South Carolina in the county and precinct in which you are registering
  • claim the address on your voter registration application as your only legal place of residence and claim no other place as your legal residence
  • not be under a court order declaring you mentally incompetent
  • not be confined in any public prison resulting from a conviction of a crime
  • never have been convicted of a felony or offense against the election laws OR if previously convicted, have served the entire sentence, including probation or parole, or have received a pardon for the conviction

Can I register to vote online?

  • South Carolina offers online voter registration.
  • You should know: you need a valid driver's license or identification card issued by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and a Social Security number to register online. If you don’t have a Social Security number or a South Carolina-issued ID, you can still submit a voter registration application by mail or in person.

Can I submit voter registration forms by mail?

Use the National Voter Registration Form

  1. Print and fill out the National Voter Registration Form.
  2. Box 6 - ID Number: You must provide at least the last four digits of your Social Security number.
  3. Box 7 - Choice of Party: South Carolina does NOT require that you register with a party to participate in partisan primary elections.
  4. Box 8 - Race or Ethnic Group: You are required to fill in this box. Your application may be rejected if you fail to do so.
  5. Review the "Who can register to vote?" section above and check that you're eligible.
  6. Sign the form.
  7. Send the completed form to your local election office
  8. If you are registering for the first time in this county, you must submit a copy of proof of identification with this application. Proof of identification includes: current valid photo ID, current utility bill, current bank statement, current paycheck, or other current government document that shows your name and address in this county. If you do not provide this identification with your application, you will be required to provide it before voting. Voters who are age 65 and over, voters with disabilities, members of the U.S. Uniformed Services or Merchant Marines and their families, and U.S. Citizens residing outside the U.S. are exempt from this requirement.

Can I register to vote on Election Day?

South Carolina does not offer registration on Election Day.

Can I submit voter registration forms in person?

Get Ready to Vote

How do I get help registering to vote?

If you’d like more help planning how to register, TurboVote can walk you through the process! They can also help you start the absentee/mail-in ballot request process, send you election reminders, and more.

How do I vote if I'm in the military or live overseas?

Active-duty military, their families, and overseas citizens can register to vote and request their absentee ballot using the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). The FPCA process is done by mail, but your state may offer other options to request and return ballots. Please contact your local election office for more information about delivery and return methods, including email, fax, and state online portals. To follow the FPCA process:
  1. Fill out the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), or download a copy. Your local election office may have questions, so please provide an email address or phone number where they can reach you.
  2. Send the application to your local election office.
  3. It is never too early to submit an FPCA! Please do so as soon as possible.
  4. Please fill out and send back your ballot as soon as you receive it.
  5. States begin mailing absentee ballots at least 45 days before Election Day. If you haven't received your ballot by 30 days before Election Day, contact your local election office.
If after submitting your FPCA, your ballot does not arrive, contact your local election office first. Then:
  • You can still vote using the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB). Print, sign, and mail your FWAB to your local election office.
  • If you mail a FWAB and then receive your regular absentee ballot, you should complete and mail your absentee ballot also. Election officials will ensure that only one ballot is counted.
The Federal Voting Assistance Program offers additional information on military and overseas voting in South Carolina. You can also call 1-800-438-VOTE (8683) or email vote@fvap.gov

How can I check my voter registration status?

You can look up your voter registration record and verify that your information is correct using South Carolina's voter registration lookup tool.

Which election office should I contact?

  • In South Carolina, your local election office runs the elections in your area. They can help you with questions about registering to vote, voting by mail, and local elections.
  • The State Election Commission oversees elections and election administration in South Carolina. They can help you with questions about voting in your state, election security, or issues you might have at the polls. If you have concerns about voter intimidation, reach out immediately.

How do I contact my local election office?

Visit your state’s site to find your local election office.

How do I contact my state election office?