Important Dates and Election Information
- Sunday, Oct. 6: Deadline to register to vote by fax, email, or online
- Monday, Oct. 7: Deadline to register to vote by mail
- Friday, Oct. 25: Deadline to request an absentee ballot
- Saturday, Nov. 2: Last day of early in-person voting
- Tuesday, Nov. 5: General Election
Quick Overview of Voting
Voter Registration
Check your registration status using the state’s online tool.
Absentee Voting
Absentee ballots are available for those who meet certain qualifications, like people 65 and older or those with a physical disability.
Early Voting
All registered voters can vote early at county voter registration offices and early voting centers in their county. Early voting runs from Monday, Oct. 21, through Saturday, Nov. 2, excluding Sunday, Oct. 27.
Voting at the Polls on Election Day
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 5. Find your polling place using the state’s online voter portal.
Recent Voting Changes in South Carolina
Some changes may affect how you vote in the 2024 general election:
- In 2022, a law replaced in-person absentee voting with a two-week early voting period.
- Redistricting in 2022 changed the boundaries of some state legislative and U.S. congressional districts. Confirm your voting district by checking your voter registration on scvotes.gov or by contacting your county voter registration and elections office.
How to Register to Vote
The deadline to register online, by fax, or by email is Sunday, Oct. 6. If you’re registering by mail, the application must be postmarked by Monday, Oct. 7.
Online
Use the state’s online voter registration portal. You will need a valid South Carolina driver’s license or ID card from the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), plus your Social Security number.
By Mail, Email, or Fax
Download and complete a registration form, then mail, email, or fax it to your county elections office. You can also call your county elections office to have a form mailed or emailed to you.
In Person
Visit your county elections office to register in person. You can also register while receiving services at your local DMV or other public assistance agencies.
When registering by mail, email, fax, or in person, you must provide your Social Security number and a copy of a current valid photo ID or a utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or government document showing your name and address in your county.
Check Your Voter Registration Status
Check your registration status using the state’s online tool.
Registering to Vote on Election Day
South Carolina does not permit registration on Election Day.
How to Request an Absentee Ballot
Absentee ballots are available for voters who meet certain qualifications, including people 65 and older, those with physical disabilities, or those who cannot vote due to work obligations or being out of town during early voting and on Election Day. For a complete list of who’s eligible, visit the South Carolina Election Commission website.
To request an absentee ballot, contact your county elections office by calling, visiting, or mailing a request. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
How to Return the Absentee Ballot Application
- By Mail: Mail your completed application to your county elections office.
- In Person: Drop off the application at your county elections office.
The deadline to return the request form is 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 25.
Immediate family members or registered voters who complete an authorized representative form can request an absentee ballot for someone else. More information is available on the state’s election commission website.
Returning an Absentee Ballot
If you qualify and apply early for an absentee ballot, it will be mailed to you about 30 days before the election. Return your completed ballot:
- By Mail: Use the provided return envelope to mail your ballot to your county elections office. It’s recommended to mail your ballot at least one week before Election Day.
- In Person: Hand-deliver your ballot to your county elections office or an early voting center. A valid photo ID, like a driver’s license, U.S. passport, or South Carolina voter registration card (with photo), is required.
Ballots must be received, not just postmarked, by 7 p.m. on Election Day. You can check the status of your ballot through the state’s voter information portal or by contacting your county elections office.
Absentee ballots require a witness signature. Anyone 18 or older can provide this signature — a notary is not necessary. Immediate family members and authorized representatives can return another person’s ballot if both parties sign an authorized returnee form. If you designate someone to return your ballot, it must be returned in person; mailing is not allowed.
Voting in Person Before Election Day
All voters can cast ballots at county voter registration offices and early voting centers in their county. Early voting runs from Monday, Oct. 21, through Saturday, Nov. 2, excluding Sunday, Oct. 27. Polling hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. For locations, check scvotes.gov or contact your county elections office.
You must provide a valid photo ID before voting.
Voting at the Polls on Election Day
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Use the state’s online voter portal to find your polling place. Sample ballots are also available via the state’s voter information portal.
Voter ID Requirements on Election Day
When voting in person, you must provide an acceptable form of photo identification, such as a South Carolina driver’s license, U.S. passport, or the state’s voter registration card. If you forget your ID on Election Day, you can cast a provisional ballot, but you will need to bring a valid photo ID to your county elections office before the election is certified (Friday, Nov. 8, by 1 p.m.).
Voting with a Disability
Voters with disabilities and those 65 and older may vote absentee. At the polls, voters can receive assistance as long as the helper is not their employer, an agent of their employer, or an officer or agent of their union. If you need assistance, inform a poll manager.
Voters who cannot access their polling place or stand in line due to a disability or age (65 and older) can use curbside voting, which allows you to vote from your vehicle.
For more information on accommodations for voters with disabilities, visit the South Carolina Election Commission website.
