South Carolina Voting Guide

Am I eligible to vote in South Carolina?

To vote in the state of South Carolina, you must:

• Be a U.S. citizen
• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a resident of South Carolina

Certain groups of people are not eligible to vote. This includes people who are in prison after a felony conviction. You can vote once you complete your criminal sentence. If the judge ordered you to serve probation or parole, you must also complete that part of your sentence.

Those people the S.C. courts have deemed mentally incompetent are also not eligible to vote.

If you have other questions, check out the South Carolina voter registration section on the state’s website.

When is South Carolina’s voter registration deadline?

The deadline to register is 30 days before an election. If you’re unsure of your registration status, confirm it well before the next election date with your county voter registration office. If need be, update your address and contact information. You should also check that you’re registered under the correct political party.

How do I request an absentee ballot in South Carolina?

Every county offers absentee ballots. You must meet specific criteria to qualify for absentee voting.

To get an absentee ballot application, navigate to your county from the absentee ballot page and follow the instructions listed for your county.

You can also visit your local voter registration office and request a ballot in person.

What do I need to bring to the polls in South Carolina?

South Carolina election officials require that voters provide a photo ID at in-person voting precincts.

An acceptable photo ID could be:

• A South Carolina driver’s license
• A valid U.S. passport
• Military ID
• A DMV ID card
• A voter registration card (one with a photo)
• A military or government-issued ID

Most people use their S.C. driver’s license as their primary form of ID. Feel free to use any of the others if you don’t have a valid license.

If you do not have a photo ID, you can vote using a provisional ballot at your polling location. Learn more about South Carolina photo ID rules and what to expect at your polling place on election day.

What special accommodations are available?

Assistance is available at the polls for people with disabilities. Voters can request:

• Assistance with marking ballots
• Curbside voting (voting at your vehicle)
• Large-print voter registration forms
• Assistance in voting for those who are deaf or hard of hearing

Get more info on accessibility accommodations, including who can assist at the polls on Election Day. You can also review the voter FAQ page for more information.

What do I do if I see something illegal at the polls?

If you see something that doesn’t seem right at the polling place, report it immediately. You should report any suspicious behavior, including voter fraud, intimidation, and harassment.

Contact the South Carolina State Inspector General. You can call the number on the website or file a complaint online.

A South Caroling Voting Rights Lawyer Can Help

If you think someone has violated your civil rights, contact an attorney. A seasoned voting rights lawyer can help protect your rights. They can also answer your questions about South Carolina’s election laws.

Visit our attorney directory to find a lawyer near you who can help.