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What you should know before going to the polls in South Carolina
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What you should know before going to the polls in South Carolina

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 November 5, 2024.

WHAT’S ON MY BALLOT?

Click here to view your sample ballot online.

WHERE AM I GOING TO VOTE?

Click here to access information for your electoral district.

WHEN ARE THE BOLTS OPENED?

Polls will open at 7 am on Election Day and close at 7 pm. Anyone in line at 7 pm will still be able to vote.

CAN I BRING MY CHILD WITH ME?

Yes, children under 18 years of age can accompany a voter in a voting booth.

CAN I VOTE EARLY?

Early voting in South Carolina ends Saturday, November 2.

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO BRING?

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

  • Driver license
  • Identification card issued by the SC Department of Motor Vehicles
  • Voter Registration Card with Photo
  • Federal Military Identification
  • US passport

WHAT IF YOU DON’T HAVE A PHOTO ID?

According to the South Carolina Election Commission:

If you do not have one of these photo 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 elections and voter registration 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 even on Election Day. Free identification cards are also available at the Department of Motor Vehicles.

If you cannot obtain a photo IDbring your non-photo voter registration card to the polling place. You can contact your county voter registration office if you need to replace your non-photo voter registration card. You may vote a provisional ballot after signing an affidavit stating that you are reasonably prevented from obtaining a photo ID. A reasonable impediment is any valid reason, beyond your control, that created an obstacle to obtaining a photo ID. Some examples include: a disability or illness, a conflict with your work schedule, lack of transportation, lack of a birth certificate, family responsibilities, a religious objection to being photographed, and any other obstacle you consider 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 impairment.

To vote under the reasonable impediment exception:

  1. Tell election administrators that you do not have a photo ID and were unable to obtain one.
  2. Present your valid registration card without a photograph.
  3. Sign the affidavit provided by election administrators indicating why you were unable to obtain a photo ID.
  4. Cast a provisional ballot that will be counted unless the county board of voter registration and elections has reason to believe that your affidavit is false.

WHAT IF YOU FORGOT YOUR PHOTO ID?

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

The results are certified the Friday after the general elections, 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 any time at your county elections office.

WHAT IF I VOTE ABSENTEE?

Absentee ballots must be returned to the county elections office by mail or personal delivery by 7 pm on Election Day. They can also be returned to an early voting center during the early voting period.

ARE THERE LAWS ABOUT CANDIDATES POSTING SIGNS ALONG THE ROAD?

According to the South Carolina Election Commission:

Yes, there are several state laws that address political road signs, as well as municipal and county ordinances. See South Carolina Code of Laws Sections 57-25-10, 57-25-140, and 7-25-210. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the entity that maintains the highway (state, county, or municipality) to enforce applicable sign laws.

CAN CANDIDATES OR THEIR REPRESENTATIVES GO TO THE POLLS TO VOTE?

Yes, anyone can bring a voter as long as they do so solely to help them vote. No one can offer anything of value in exchange for voting.

CAN CAMPAIGNS PUT SIGNS ALONG THE ROAD?

According to the South Carolina Election Commission:

Yes, there are several state laws that address political road signs, as well as municipal and county ordinances. See South Carolina Code of Laws Sections 57-25-10, 57-25-140, and 7-25-210. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the entity that maintains the highway (state, county, or municipality) to enforce applicable sign laws.

CAN CANDIDATES AND/OR CAMPAIGNS SPEAK TO VOTERS AT A VOTING PLACE?

According to the South Carolina Election Commission:

Yes, but there are restrictions:

Inside the polling place: Campaigning is not allowed. Candidates can be inside the polling place and talk to voters as long as they are not campaigning, intimidating voters, or interfering with the electoral process.

Within 500 feet of the entrance to a polling place: Candidates and campaign staff may campaign as long as they do not intimidate voters or interfere with the electoral process. However, no campaign posters, posters or posters are permitted. Candidates are permitted to wear a badge measuring no larger than 4.25” x 4.25” and containing only the candidate’s name and the position sought. Candidates must remove their credentials when entering a polling place.

What happens if I am asked to participate in an exit survey?

Exit polls are legal and voluntary, but are not conducted by the South Carolina Election Commission or county boards of elections.

WHERE CAN I FILE A COMPLAINT ABOUT THE ELECTION?

If you have any problems at your specific polling location, please contact your election administrator or county elections office as soon as possible.

Stay with WMBF News for updates.