Early Voting Begins in South Carolina: Here’s What You Need to Know

Starting Monday, October 21, residents of South Carolina can cast their votes in person as the state’s early voting period commences. This marks the first general election since the Legislature enacted a law in 2022 establishing a two-week period for in-person early voting without the need for an excuse.

Polling locations across the state will be open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. until Saturday, November 2, with the exception of October 27, when they will be closed due to state regulations prohibiting voting on Sundays.

Howard Knapp, the director of the State Election Commission, encouraged voters to take advantage of early voting, stating, “There’s no reason to postpone voting until November 5. Locate an early voting site in your county. You can vote just as you would on Election Day, ensuring your voice is heard.”

All 46 counties in South Carolina must provide at least one early voting site, with the option to offer up to seven locations. Voters can choose the site that is most convenient for them, and the same identification requirements as on Election Day will be enforced.

In addition to in-person early voting, voters can also cast their ballots by mail. Applications for absentee ballots must be submitted by 5 p.m. on October 25. Acceptable reasons for absentee voting include being out of town during both the early voting period and on Election Day, military service, being 65 years or older, or having a physical disability. Completed absentee ballots must be returned by mail or delivered in person to an early voting center or the voter’s county election office by 7 p.m. on November 5.

This year’s election includes the presidential race, seven congressional races, 170 Statehouse contests, a proposed amendment to the state constitution, and various local elections. Following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, the state Democratic Party successfully petitioned for an extension of the voter registration deadline, allowing residents until October 14 to register. During this extension, 26,290 individuals registered to vote, and 486 updated their voter registration information.

To find early voting locations in your county, you can visit the South Carolina State Election Commission’s website and select your county.