The upcoming election is a presidential primary. Learn About Presidential Primaries
Learn about all the options to vote in South Carolina to make a plan to vote that works for you!
South Carolina Board of Elections Phone Number: (803) 734-9060
Whether you are registering to vote for the first time, or need to update your address, name or party affiliation - we've got you covered!
Not sure if you are eligible to vote due to a felony conviction?
Click here to learn more.
Request and track
Notice: Mail-in voting is a convenient and safe way to vote, but your ballot might not count if it’s submitted late or with errors. So follow the directions below on how to vote early or absentee and make your vote count in South Carolina.
Excuse required to vote by mail.
Voting by mail is a two step process in South Carolina.
Step 1: Request your ballot NOW. The deadline for your application to be received by mail is October 28th at 5 p.m. An excuse is necessary in order to vote by mail.
Step 2: Complete and return your ballot ASAP.
Grab a friend! After you fill out your ballot, sign the voter's oath on the return envelope. The witness must sign, too.
Remember to sign your return ballot.
The outside of the ballot carrier envelope. You must sign in the presence of a witness, who will also sign.
If you return your ballot by mail, you must add a stamp when mailing in your ballot.
You can also drop off your ballot in person at your local elections office.
Anyone you designate may return your ballot. They will have to complete an Authorization to Return Absentee Ballot Form.
Track your ballot by clicking here.
If you would like to vote in person, you must first return your unmarked absentee ballot to your county board of voter registration. They will give you a certificate. You then take the certificate to your polling place and show it to the poll workers. You can then vote in person.
South Carolina does not offer voters a chance to address challenges to their ballot. Your ballot will not count if it is late, or you do not follow directions.
South Carolina voters must provide ID to vote. The following are accepted:
*If voter has a reasonable impediment to obtaining Photo ID, they may list that impediment and present current non-photo voter registration card, and sign an affidavit so the provisional ballot will count.
Enter your address below to see what you can expect on Election Day.
Primary Type (D): Open
Primary Type (R): Open
No party affiliation is required at registration to participate in primary. Voters are asked to take an oath stating they did not participate in another primary when voting. See South Carolina Republican Party or Democratic Party sites for more details.
Your state automatically registers people to vote at the address on their drivers license or other state issued ID card. If you have moved but have not updated your ID with your new address, changed your name or want to add a political party selection, you must update your voter registration. Click here to check to see if you are registered to vote, and update your registration if needed.
You can register to vote and cast your ballot on Election Day at your polling place or local elections office. Bring a valid ID and proof of residence with you.
Early voting is available to all voters at any early voting center in your county. Be sure to bring proper photo ID when you go to vote.
Some states have laws that specifically allow citizens to preregister at a certain age while others allow registration as long as you’re 18 by the next election. Preregistration means you’ll be automatically registered to vote on your 18th birthday without taking any additional steps.
In South Carolina, you can preregister to vote if you are 18 by the next election. Register to vote today!
Some states even let you vote in their primaries at 17 if you’ll be 18 by the general election so you can participate in the whole process!
You can vote in the South Carolina primaries if you are 17 by the next election.
