What you need to know before you go to the polls in South Carolina

On November 4, 2024By Littum

MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) – With Election Day right around the corner, here’s what you need to know if you’re voting in South Carolina.

WHEN IS ELECTION DAY?

Election day is 5 November 2024.

WHAT IS ON MY BALLOT?

Click here to check your mock ballot online.

WHERE SHOULD I VOTE?

Click here to access information about your area.

WHEN WILL VOTING OPEN?

The polling stations open at 7 on election day and closes at 19. Anyone in line at 19.00 will still be allowed to vote.

CAN I BRING MY CHILD WITH ME?

Yes, children under the age of 18 may accompany a voter in a voting booth.

CAN I VOTE EARLY?

Early voting in South Carolina ends on Saturday, November 2nd.

WHAT SHOULD YOU BRING?

Voters in South Carolina will be asked to show one of the following photo IDs:

Driving license
ID card issued by the SC Department of Motor Vehicles
Voter card with photo
Federal military ID
American passport

WHAT IF YOU DON’T HAVE A PHOTO ID?

According to the South Carolina Election Commission:

“If you don’t have one of these picture IDsyou can make your voting experience as quick and easy as possible by getting one before election day. If you are already registered to vote, you can go to your county’s voter registration and election office, provide your date of birth and the last four digits of your social security number, and have your photo taken. You can do this yourself on election day. Free ID cards are also available from the Department of Motor Vehicles.

If you can’t get a photo IDbring your non-photo voter card with you to the polling station. You can contact your county voter registration office if you need to replace your non-photo voter card. You can vote a provisional ballot after signing a declaration that you have a reasonable impediment to obtaining a photo ID. A reasonable impediment is any valid reason beyond your control that created an impediment to obtaining a photo ID. Some examples include: a disability or illness, a conflict with your work schedule, a lack of transportation, a lack of a birth certificate, family obligations, a religious objection to being photographed, and any other obstacle you deem reasonable. This ballot will count unless someone proves to the County Board of Voter Registration and Elections that you are lying about your identity or have the listed disability.

To vote under the reasonable impediment exception:

Inform the poll supervisors that you do not have a photo ID and were unable to obtain one.
Present your current registration card without photo.
Sign the statement from the poll supervisors stating why you could not get a photo ID.
Cast a provisional ballot that will be counted unless the county board of voter registration and elections has reason to believe your statement is false.

WHAT IF YOU FORGOT YOUR PHOTO ID?

If you forgot your photo ID when you were supposed to vote, you will be able to vote with a provisional ballot that will only count if you show photo identification to your county election office before the election is certified.

The results are confirmed on the Friday after the general election, which would be on November 8.

CAN I VOTE WITHOUT MY NON-PHOTO VOTER REGISTRATION CARD?

Yes. You can also get a replacement card at your county election office at any time.

WHAT IF I’M VOTING?

Absentee ballots must be returned to the county election office by mail or personal delivery no later than 19 on election day. They can also be returned to an early voting center during the early voting period.

IS THERE LEGISLATION FOR CANDIDATES TO PUT SIGNS ALONG THE ROAD?

According to the South Carolina Election Commission:

Yes, there are several state laws that deal with political signs on roads, as well as county and municipal ordinances. See SC Code of Laws Sections 57-25-10, 57-25-140 and 7-25-210. Ultimately, the entity that maintains the road (state, county or municipality) is responsible for enforcing applicable sign laws.

CAN CANDIDATES OR THEIR REPRESENTATIVES TAKE PEOPLE TO THE POLLS TO VOTE?

Yes – any person can give a voter a ride as long as it is done solely to help them vote. No one may offer anything of value in exchange for voting.

CAN PROMOTIONS PUT SIGNS ALONG THE ROAD?

According to the South Carolina Election Commission:

CAN CANDIDATES AND/OR CAMPAIGNS TALK TO VOTERS AT A POLLING PLACE?

According to the South Carolina Election Commission:

Yes, but there are limitations:

Inside the polling station: No promotion is allowed. Candidates can be inside the polling place and talk to voters as long as they do not campaign, intimidate voters or interfere with the election process.

Within 500 feet of an entrance to a polling place: Candidates and campaign staff may campaign as long as they do not intimidate voters or interfere with the election process. However, campaign literature, signs or posters are not permitted. Candidates may wear a badge no larger than 4.25″ x 4.25″ displaying only the candidate’s name and office. Candidates must remove their badge when entering a polling station.

WHAT IF I AM REQUIRED FOR A CLOSING INQUIRY?

Voting is legal and voluntary — but not conducted by the South Carolina Election Commission or county election boards.

WHERE CAN I COMPLAINT ABOUT THE SELECTION?

If you have a problem at your specific polling place, contact your poll manager or county elections office as soon as possible.

Stay with WMBF News for updates.