Want to vote absentee in SC? In-person voting starts this week. What else to know.
The long-awaited 2020 general election is just weeks away, and South Carolina voters can start casting their ballots now.
South Carolinians had to register by the first week of October in order to participate in the Nov. 3 election.
Voters have had the option to request an absentee by-mail ballot, and this week, voters will have another option — in-person absentee voting.
Here’s what voters need to know for the 2020 presidential election.
First, are you registered?
You can check your voter registration on the South Carolina Election Commission’s website. South Carolina voters must be registered in their county of residence.
When can I start voting?
Today.
South Carolina voters can request an absentee by-mail ballot now and in-person absentee voting begins Oct. 5.
All voters can cast an absentee ballot this election.
Typically, in order to vote absentee, South Carolina voters need to meet one of 17 qualifications.
However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Gov. Henry McMaster signed a bill on Sept. 16 giving all voters in the state the option of absentee voting.
How to vote absentee.
There are two options: In person and by mail.
In person:
Voters across South Carolina can cast an in-person absentee ballot at their county voter registration office beginning Oct. 5.
At the office, voters will be required to fill out an application before casting their ballot. A photo ID is required to vote absentee in person. South Carolinians can vote absentee in person until 5 p.m. Nov. 2.
In York County, the voter registration office is at 6 S. Congress St. in York. The York County office will have two extension offices open for absentee in-person voting this election.
- The Fort Mill extension office will open Oct. 12 at the Fort Mill Community Center at 1011 Talbot St.
- The Rock Hill extension office will open Oct. 14 at the Rock Hill Operations Office at 757 South Anderson Road.
In Lancaster County, the office is at 101 N. Main St. in Lancaster.
- Residents can drop off completed ballots at Indian Land Service Center at 8451 Charlotte Highway from Monday to Nov. 2.
The Chester County office is at 109 Ella St. in Chester.
By mail:
Voters can also download and print out an application to vote absentee, or they can call or email the local voter registration office to request one be mailed to them.
The application must be returned in-person, by mail, email or fax to the county office by 5 p.m. Oct. 24 and a ballot will be distributed.
For any voter who is unable to go to the polls due to an illness or disability, an authorized representative acting on their behalf may return the application by 5 p.m. Oct. 30. More information on what is considered an authorized representative is on the South Carolina Election Commission’s website.
Absentee ballots must be received by the county voter registration office by 7 p.m. on Election Day. Absentee applications and ballots can be tracked online.
What about on Election Day?
Casting a ballot at the polls is another option.
Polls will open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Nov. 3. Anyone in line by 7 p.m. will be allowed to vote.
Absentee ballots cannot be returned to polling places on Election Day. The ballots must be returned to the county voter registration office.
Voters will need to provide a photo ID to vote in person. South Carolinians can find their Election Day polling location online.
Will COVID-19 precautions be followed?
Yes. The South Carolina Election Commission is working to implement procedures to mitigate the spread of the virus at polling places.
Poll managers will be trained to ensure surfaces are sanitized and social distancing concepts are followed. Managers will wear face masks, shields and gloves, and will be provided wipes and regularly clean common surfaces throughout the day.
Voting stations will be spaced at least six feet apart. Hand sanitizer and a cotton swab for making selections on the touchscreen will be provided. Voters are asked to wear a mask.
This story was originally published September 21, 2020 at 12:19 PM.
