COLUMBIA, S.C. — Get Ready to Vote on November 5!
Election Day is fast approaching, and we’re just a hop, skip, and a jump away from making a big decision! On Tuesday, November 5, 2024, registered voters in South Carolina will head to the polls to cast their ballots. This is not just about picking the next President of the United States; it’s also about choosing local leaders—from school board members to state representatives. So, if you’re planning to vote, here’s everything you need to know!
Registration Deadline
First off, if you haven’t registered to vote yet, it’s too late for the 2024 General Election! That’s right—South Carolina law says you need to register at least 30 days before the election. If you’re unsure about your registration status, don’t fret! You can easily check your details online at scvotes.gov. Just pop in your information, and you’ll see your voting precinct location and any important contests you’ll be voting on.
Update Your Address
If you’ve moved recently, it’s super important to ensure that your address is up to date on your voter registration. Why? Because your home address determines where you vote and the races you’re eligible to participate in. If you didn’t get a chance to update your address before Election Day, don’t worry! Thanks to failsafe voting, you can update your address on the day of the election if certain conditions are met.
Familiarize Yourself with Your Ballot
Now, before you head out to vote, take a moment to familiarize yourself with your ballot! Keep in mind that your sample ballot may look different from your friend’s—this is because your home address decides the candidates and issues you’ll be voting on. For instance, you might be in a part of a school district that has all seats up for election, while someone in a neighboring area may not have any seats contested. Also, be aware that some counties might have tax questions on the ballot while others don’t, like Richland County.
Early Voting Information
If waiting in line on Election Day doesn’t sound appealing to you, there’s good news! Early voting starts on Monday, October 21, and wraps up on Saturday, November 2 (don’t forget, it’s closed on Sunday, October 27). Early voting centers will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.. Here are some locations in the Midlands where you can vote early:
- Calhoun County Community Development Center: 101 Courthouse Dr, Suite 115, St. Matthews, SC 29135
- John Williams SR Fellowship Hall: 983 Old State Rd, Gaston, SC 29053
- Lexington County Voter Registration Office: 605 W Main St, Lexington, SC 29072
- Richland County Voter Registration & Election Office: 2020 Hampton St, Columbia, SC 29204
- …and many more!
Absentee Ballot Requests
Now, if you can’t make it to the polls in person on Election Day, you can still cast your vote by requesting an absentee ballot. Just remember, the deadline to request this ballot is 5 p.m. on Friday, October 25. You’ll need to call, visit, or mail your request to your county voter registration office. Make sure your application includes your name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
Once you receive your ballot, fill it out, sign the voter’s oath, and ensure it’s witnessed by someone who’s at least 18 years old. Keep in mind your completed absentee ballot must arrive at your county office by 7 p.m. on Election Day. For best results, aim to send it back a week ahead of time or drop it off in person if you want to feel a little extra secure.
Voting on the Big Day
On Election Day, polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Remember to bring a current and valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license, passport, or military ID. If you forget your ID, you can still vote a provisional ballot, but you’ll need to show your ID to the county elections office before it’s certified, which is typically by November 8.
If you find yourself feeling under the weather and in the hospital on Election Day, don’t sweat it! A family member can still help you apply for and submit an absentee ballot.
Final Thoughts
Voting is your chance to make your voice heard, so don’t miss out! Whether you’re excited to vote for President or make local choices that affect your community, get all the details sorted out before heading to the polls. Your vote matters, and we can’t wait to see everyone participating in this important event on November 5!
