Last update: Sep 20, 2023 07:31 a.m. EDT
Last update: Sep 19, 2023 11:10 a.m. UTC
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Summary
South Carolina offers absentee ballots by mail to voters who will be unable to vote in person. All other voters are expected to vote in person. South Carolina offers early voting.
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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
How do I vote in person?
Where can I vote on Election Day?
You can look up where to vote on South Carolina's site.
Can I vote early?
- Yes, South Carolina does offer early voting. You can choose whether to vote on Election Day or during the early voting period, whichever is easier for you. This can be especially helpful if it would be difficult or not possible for you to vote on Election Day. Early voting locations may be less crowded, as well.
What do I need to bring?
You will be asked to show photo ID to vote in South Carolina.
Acceptable forms include:
- South Carolina driver's license or South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles ID Card (includes standard license and REAL ID)
- South Carolina Concealed Weapons Permit
- South Carolina voter registration card with photo
- US military ID (includes all Department of Defense photo IDs and Veterans Affairs benefits card)
- US passport (includes US Passport ID Card)
Voters without ID: If you have a reasonable impediment to obtaining photo ID, you may vote a provisional ballot after showing your non-photo voter registration card. If you do not have photo ID and do not have a reasonable impediment to obtaining one, or you simply forgot to bring it with you to the polls, you may still vote a provisional ballot. However, for your vote to be counted, you must provide one of the photo IDs to the election commission prior to certification of the election (usually Thursday or Friday after the election).
How can I check the status of my ballot?
You can check the status of your ballot on South Carolina’s site.
Can I vote early?
Yes, South Carolina does offer early voting.
- You can choose whether to vote on Election Day or during the early voting period, whichever is easier for you. This can be especially helpful if it would be difficult or not possible for you to vote on Election Day. Early voting locations may be less crowded, as well.
What do I need to bring?
You will be asked to show photo ID to vote in South Carolina.
Acceptable forms include:
- South Carolina driver's license or South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles ID Card (includes standard license and REAL ID)
- South Carolina Concealed Weapons Permit
- South Carolina voter registration card with photo
- US military ID (includes all Department of Defense photo IDs and Veterans Affairs benefits card)
- US passport (includes US Passport ID Card)
Voters without ID: If you have a reasonable impediment to obtaining photo ID, you may vote a provisional ballot after showing your non-photo voter registration card. If you do not have photo ID and do not have a reasonable impediment to obtaining one, or you simply forgot to bring it with you to the polls, you may still vote a provisional ballot. However, for your vote to be counted, you must provide one of the photo IDs to the election commission prior to certification of the election (usually Thursday or Friday after the election).
How do I vote by mail?
South Carolina allows eligible voters to request a mail ballot. All other voters are expected to vote in person. Check to see if you’re eligible to vote by mail on South Carolina's site.
How do I get my ballot?
Contact your local election office to determine if you are eligible and request a ballot by mail. The deadline to request an absentee ballot is 11 days before election day.
What should I do if I don’t get my ballot?
If you don’t receive your ballot in the mail, then contact your local election office.
How do I return my ballot?
- Read the instructions carefully on how to mark and return your ballot.
- You can return your ballot by mail or by visiting a dedicated drop off location.
- Find a ballot drop off location near you.
- If you choose to return your ballot by mail, the United States Postal Service (USPS) recommends that voters mail their completed ballots at least one week before the due date. Find a USPS location near you.
What do I need to do if I’ve moved?
What’s on your ballot depends on where you live, so your voter registration is tied to your exact address. If you’ve moved, you need to re-register with your new address.
How can I check the status of my ballot?
You can check the status of your ballot on South Carolina’s site.
Can I register to vote on Election Day?
South Carolina does not offer registration on Election Day.
Get Ready to Vote
How do I see what's on my ballot?
View your sample ballot on the South Carolina State Election Commission's website. Available ballot information may vary depending on the upcoming election.
How do I get help registering to vote?
TurboVote can help you start the absentee/mail-in ballot request process, send you election reminders, and more. If you’d like more help planning how to vote, we can walk you through the process!
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:
- 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.
- Send the application to your local election office.
- It is never too early to submit an FPCA! Please do so as soon as possible.
- Please fill out and send back your ballot as soon as you receive it.
- 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.
How do I contact my state election office?
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.