Voting Information Center

VOTING IN SOUTH CAROLINA

2024 General Election Dates & Deadlines

Monday, October 14: Last day to register in person, online, or by mail
Tuesday, November 5: Statewide General Election. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

(Note: Previously announced registration deadlines were pushed back due to the damage caused by Hurricane Helene. See our letter advocating for this change here.)

Voting Early in Person

Voters can visit any early voting center in their county during the early voting period, present their photo ID, and vote using the voting system like they would at their polling place on election day. To find early voting centers in your county, visit the SCVotes Early Voting page.

Monday, October 21 - Saturday, November 2, 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.: Early voting period. Closed Sunday, October 27.

Voting Absentee by Mail

In South Carolina, you must meet certain eligibility requirements to vote absentee by mail. For a checklist of eligibility requirements, visit the LDF page "Learn about absentee ballots." For more information and to find your county elections office, visit the SCVotes Absentee Voting page.

Friday, October 25 by 5 p.m.: Deadline for your county elections office to receive your request for an absentee ballot. You can submit your application in person or by mail.

Please note that these dates apply to State House, State Senate, and Congressional elections. Local elections may take place on other dates. For more dates and deadlines, and for information on early and absentee voting, check scvotes.gov.

Check your registration, polling place, & sample ballot (SCVOTES.GOV)

Download Our Voting Rights Guide

S.C. Guide for Presently & Formerly Incarcerated Voters

If you have any issues while voting, contact the national Election Protection Hotline.

English: 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683)
Spanish / English: 888-YE-Y-VOTA (888-839-8682)
Arabic / English: 844-YALLA-US (844-925-5287)
Asian Languages / English: 888-API-VOTE (888-274-8683)

What ID do I need to bring with me?

A.What ID do I need to bring with me?

A federal or SC-issued photo ID is required. These can include:
- SC Driver’s License
- SC Department of Motor Vehicles ID Card
- Federal Military ID
- US Passport
- SC Voter Registration Card w/ Photo
If you cannot show ID, you can still cast a provisional ballot.

What if I face intimidation or harassment at the polls?

A.What if I face intimidation or harassment at the polls?

Contact Election Protection if you experience or witness any of the following issues:
- name(s) removed from voter rolls
- inaccessible voting sites
- changes to the location of poll sites
- intimidation or the spread of misinformation about elections or voting rights
- inadequate training of poll workers
- voting machine or other technology issues
- long voting lines
Call Election Protection:
- English: 866-687-8683
- Spanish: 888-839-8682
- Arabic: 844-925-5287
- Asian Languages: 888-274-8683

Do I have to register as a member of a party to vote in its primary?

A.Do I have to register as a member of a party to vote in its primary?

No. South Carolina does not register voters by party. You can vote in either primary, but you cannot vote in both. Voting in one party's presidential primary does not obligate you to vote in that party's primary for state elected offices.

For more information about primary voting, check the FAQ page on the S.C. Election Commission website.

What if the name I used for voter registration and the name found on my ID do not match?

A.What if the name I used for voter registration and the name found on my ID do not match?

In South Carolina, when you change the name on your ID at the DMV, you can check a box requesting an update to your voter registration. You can also update your information online or in person at your county elections office. And finally, you can update your information at your polling place on election day.

What if my current gender presentation doesn't match the gender marker or presentation shown on my photo ID?

A.What if my current gender presentation doesn't match the gender marker or presentation shown on my photo ID?

Gender identity or presentation has no impact on your constitutional right to vote. There is no requirement that the picture or gender on your photo ID match your current gender presentation. If you receive pushback or intimidation, contact the Election Protection Hotline immediately at 866-687-8683.

I have a criminal record. Can I vote?

A.I have a criminal record. Can I vote?

If you were convicted of a felony:
- You CAN vote if you've finished your sentence.
- You CANNOT vote if you are currently incarcerated for that offense.
- You CANNOT vote if you are on probation or parole for that offense.
If you were convicted of any crime involving a violation of an election law (including a misdemeanor):
- You CAN vote if you have finished your sentence.
- You CANNOT vote if you are incarcerated for that offense.
- You CANNOT vote if you are on probation or parole for that offense.
If you were convicted of a misdemeanor not relating to election laws:
- You CAN vote if you are not incarcerated for that offense.
- You CANNOT vote if you are incarcerated for that offense.
If you are in jail awaiting trial for child support contempt:
- You CAN vote by absentee ballot.
Still unsure? Check out this guide (PDF available here):