Election Special
SOUTH CAROLINA
WHAT’S NEW
Since the last presidential election, a new law replaced in-person absentee voting with a two-week early voting period. (The law was also in effect in the 2022 midterms.)
Redistricting that went into effect in 2022 redrew the boundaries of certain state legislative and U.S. congressional districts. You can confirm your voting district by checking your registration at scvotes.gov, or by contacting your county voter registration and elections office.
WHAT ELSE YOU NEED TO KNOW
How can I register to vote?
Online: Go to scvotes.gov/voters and click on Register to Vote, and then Register Online. You’ll need a valid South Carolina driver’s license or ID card from the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles.
By mail, email or fax: At scvotes.gov/voters, select Register to Vote. Under Register by Mail, Email, Fax, download a registration form and then return the completed form to your county elections office. Or call that office and ask for a form to be mailed or emailed to you.
In person: Register at your county elections office. To find it, go to scvotes.gov/contact, and select County Voter Registration & Election Offices. You can also register at your local DMV or public assistance agencies. The deadline is Friday, Oct. 4, at 5 p.m. (unless your county holds weekend hours).
If registering to vote online or by fax or email, the deadline is Sunday, Oct. 6. If registering by mail, your application must be postmarked by Monday, Oct. 7.
How can I vote absentee?
Absentee ballots are available to voters who meet certain qualifications, including those 65 or older or physically disabled, as well as those who can’t vote due to a work obligation. For a list of who’s eligible, go to scvotes.gov/voters/absentee-voting, and select “Who can vote absentee?” Voters may request an absentee ballot application by calling, visiting or mailing a request to their county elections office. Completed applications delivered by mail or in person must be received by the county by 5 p.m., Friday, Oct. 25.
How do I submit an absentee ballot?
Use the provided return envelope to mail your ballot to your county elections office; to ensure on-time delivery, do so at least one week before Election Day. Or, deliver it in person to your county elections office or an early voting center; you must present a photo ID, such as a driver’s license or U.S. passport.
Absentee ballots require a witness signature from a person 18 or older. Ballots must be received—not just postmarked—by 7 p.m. on Election Day. Check the status of your ballot by contacting your county elections office or going to scvotes.gov/voters and scrolling down to Check My Absentee Ballot.
What about military or overseas voters?
Go to scvotes.gov. Under Voters, select Military & Overseas Citizens.
When is in-person early voting?
Any voter can cast a ballot at any early voting center in their county. Early voting is Monday, Oct. 21, through Saturday, Nov. 2 (excluding Sunday, Oct. 27), 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Find locations at scvotes.gov by clicking on Early Voting, or check with your county office.
Do I need ID to vote?
When voting in person, you need an acceptable form of photo identification, such as a South Carolina driver’s license or U.S. passport. To find a full list of acceptable photo IDs, go to scvotes.gov/voters, and select How to Vote. If you forget your ID on Election Day, you can cast a provisional ballot but will need to bring a photo ID to your county elections office before the election is certified (Friday, Nov. 8, by 1 p.m.).
How do voters with disabilities vote?
They may cast an absentee ballot. Or, if voting in person, the state allows them to receive assistance. Those unable to access a polling place or stand in line due to a disability or being 65-plus may vote in their vehicle. For details, go to scvotes.gov. Under Voters, select Voters with Disabilities.
When is Election Day?
Tuesday, Nov. 5. Polls are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. For locations, see scvotes.gov/voters and Find My Polling Place. —Grace Dickinson
RACES TO WATCH
U.S. President
U.S. House: All 7 seats
State Senate: All 46 seats
State House: All 124 seats
For other state election guides, go to aarp.org/electionguides.
HOW TO VOTE IN THE 2024 ELECTIONS
KEY DATES
Deadline to submit voter registration by fax, email or online Sunday, Oct. 6
Deadline to submit voter registration form by mail
Monday, Oct. 7 (postmarked)
Deadline to request absentee ballot
Friday, Oct. 25, 5 p.m.
Early voting
Oct. 21 through Nov. 2 (excluding Oct. 27). Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Election Day
Tuesday, Nov. 5. Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Absentee ballots must be received by your county by 7 p.m.
IMPORTANT: At press time, election issues were being contested in some states. AARP strongly recommends confirming details at the South Carolina Election Commission’s site, scvotes.gov, before voting. Also find updates at aarp.org/scvotes. Reach the election commission at 803-734-9060.
Instructions are for computer use and may differ on mobile devices. As a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, AARP does not endorse candidates or make political donations.