Press Releases

Columbia, SC (February 23, 2012) - The S.C. State Election Commission (SEC) today released the findings of a partial review of information provided by the S.C. Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) suggesting 953 votes were cast in the name of deceased voters.  Due to the size and scope of the task of examining every claim, the review was limited to 207 cases related to the 2010 General Election. 

In 197 of these instances, the records show no indication of votes being cast fraudulently in the name of deceased voters.  Research found each of these cases to be the result of clerical errors, bad data matching, errors in assigning voter participation, or voters dying after being issued an absentee ballot.  In 10 cases, the records were insufficient to make a determination.

The research related to these 207 cases has been provided to the S.C. Attorney General's office (AG) and the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED). The AG and SLED continue to examine all information related to the case.

Columbia, SC (January 25, 2012) - S.C. State Election Commission Executive Director Marci Andino testified today before the House Election Laws Subcommittee on recent claims that more than 900 votes had been cast in the name of dead voters.

While the SEC has not yet been provided with all the information on which the claims are being made, the Attorney General's office has provided a small sample - six names from Abbeville County.   A review of the voter registration lists and signatures on the poll lists from the elections in question revealed that of these six:

Absentee voting is underway throughout South Carolina, and the State Election Commission wants to inform voters about associated procedures and deadlines.  Voters who meet one of the qualifying reasons listed below may cast an absentee ballot either in person or by mail.

In Person - Visit your county voter registration office, complete an application, and cast your ballot.  You may vote absentee in person up until 5:00 p.m., Friday, January 20^th.

By Mail -

Step 1:  Contact your county voter registration office as soon as possible to request an absentee ballot application.  The request may be made in person or by phone, mail, email, or fax.

The U.S. Department of Justice today blocked implementation of a new law that would require South Carolina voters to present a photo ID in order to vote.  Identification requirements for voting will not change at this time.

Current law requires voters to present one of three items to vote at the polling place:

• S.C. Driver's License
• S.C. Identification Card issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles
• S.C. Voter Registration Card

South Carolina is covered by Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.  Therefore, any change to election law must be approved (or "precleared") by the U.S. Department of Justice before it can be implemented or enforced.

To help ensure voters are prepared for the upcoming Republican Presidential Preference Primary, the State Election Commission wants to remind everyone of the impending voter registration deadline and urge those already registered to update their information.

Those who wish to vote in the Republican Presidential Preference Primary on January 21 must be registered by Wednesday, December 21.  Voters who have moved from one county to another must be registered to vote in their new county by the deadline.

REGISTER:

COLUMBIA, S.C. - (November 2, 2010) - Polling places across the state have reported moderate to heavy voter turnout throughout the day with some polling places experiencing long lines. The SC State Election Commission encourages any voter who has not yet cast a ballot to go to his or her polling place before 7 p.m. and vote. Anyone in line by 7 p.m. will be allowed to cast a ballot.

"Today's high voter turnout is a huge testament to the citizens of South Carolina and their dedication to making their voices heard by casting a ballot in today's election," said Marci Andino, executive director of the SC State Election Commission. "We appreciate the preparation, enthusiasm and patience of voters who went to the polls and voted today, and encourage those who have not yet voted to do so by 7 p.m. today."

Andino continued, "We are thankful for the tireless efforts of the 20,000 poll workers and election officials across the state who have worked diligently in the months and weeks leading up to this election to ensure that every vote matters and every vote counts." 

COLUMBIA, S.C. (November 2, 2010) - The South Carolina State Election Commission reports heavy voter turnout at many precincts throughout the state this morning. As South Carolinians continue to head to the polls throughout the day, the South Carolina State Election Commission would like to remind voters of the following:

COLUMBIA, SC (October 28, 2010) - South Carolina voters go to the polls on Tuesday, November 2nd.  Below are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding general elections:

Q.  What candidates and/or offices are on the ballot today?

A.    The candidates and offices on a particular ballot will differ depending on the county and districts in which you reside.  To find out what candidates will appear on ballots in your county visit www.scVOTES.org and click "General Election Candidates by County," or call your county election commission.

Q.   Where do I vote?

A.    At the polling place in your precinct.  Your precinct and polling place are listed on your voter registration card.  To ensure your polling place hasn't changed since your card was issued, check your voter registration by visiting www.scVOTES.org and clicking "Check Your Voter Registration."

Q.  What hours will the polls be open?

A.  Polling places are open 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.  Anyone in line at 7:00 p.m. will be allowed to vote.

Columbia, SC (October 27, 2010) - The State Election Commission (SEC) wants to remind voters of impending deadlines for voting absentee in the General Election.  Voters who qualify may cast an absentee ballot in one of two ways: in person or by mail.  The SEC recommends voting absentee in person due to the risks associated with voting by mail at this late date.

In Person - Visit your county voter registration office, complete an application, and cast your ballot.  You may vote absentee in person up until 5:00 p.m., Monday, November 1^st.

By Mail -

Step 1:  Contact your county voter registration office as soon as possible to request an absentee ballot application.  The request may be made in person or by phone, mail, email, or fax.

Columbia, SC (October 20, 2010) - Absentee voting is underway throughout South Carolina, and the State Election Commission wants to inform voters about associated procedures and deadlines.  Voters who meet one of the qualifying reasons listed below may cast an absentee ballot in one of two ways: in person or by mail.

In Person - Visit your county voter registration office, complete an application, and cast your ballot.  You may vote absentee in person up until 5:00 p.m., Monday, November 1^st.

By Mail -

Step 1:  Contact your county voter registration office as soon as possible to request an absentee ballot application.  The request may be made in person or by phone, mail, email, or fax.

COLUMBIA, S.C. (September 24, 2010) - To help ensure voters are prepared for the upcoming General Election, the State Election Commission wants to remind everyone of the upcoming voter registration deadline and urge those already registered to update their information.

Those who wish to vote in the General Election on November 2nd must be registered by October 2nd.  Voters who have moved from one county to another must be registered to vote in their new county by the deadline.

REGISTER:

• Visit your county board of voter registration.
• Download a voter registration form from scVOTES.org, complete the form, and either:
  • Mail the form to your county voter registration office (postmarked by October 2nd),
  • Fax the form to your county voter registration office (received by October 2nd), or
  • Scan the form and email the image as a file attachment to your county voter registration office (received by October 2nd).

UPDATE YOUR VOTER REGISTRATION:

COLUMBIA, SC (June 22, 2010) - Reports from election officials throughout the state indicate that statewide turnout in today's Primary Runoffs has been light so far.  However, there are reports of moderate turnout in some counties and precincts where local races are driving voter interest. 

Voters have until 7:00 p.m. to vote.  Voters in line at 7:00 p.m. will be allowed to vote.

Primary Runoff FAQs

COLUMBIA, SC (June 14, 2010) - The State Election Commission wants to remind voters of impending deadlines for voting absentee in the June 22^nd Primary Runoffs.

Qualified voters may vote absentee in person or by mail:

In Person - Visit your county voter registration office, complete an application, and cast your ballot.  You may vote absentee in person up until 5:00 p.m., Monday, June 21^st.

By Mail - Step 1:  Contact your county voter registration office to request an absentee ballot application.  You may make the request in person or by phone, mail, email, or fax.  

Step 2:  You will be sent an application.

Step 3: Return the completed application to your county voter registration office by 5:00 p.m., Friday, June 18^th.  You may return the application in person or by mail, email, or fax. 

Step 4: You will be mailed an absentee ballot.

COLUMBIA, SC (June 8, 2010) - Reports from election officials throughout the state indicate that so far turnout throughout the state has been low to moderate.  However, there are reports of moderate to heavy turnout in some counties and precincts.

Historically, primary turnout is lower than that of general elections ranging from 18% to 26% over the past 12 years.  Turnout in General Elections has ranged from 45% to 76% during that same period.

Polls close at 7:00 p.m.  Voters in line at 7:00 p.m. will be allowed to vote.  The State Election Commission will report election results and voter turnout tonight at www.scVOTES.org.  Look for the 2008 Primary Results link on the front page.

As South Carolinians continue voting throughout the day, the State Election Commission would like to remind voters of the following:

1.      Voters are required to show any one of three forms of identification in order to vote:  voter registration card, driver's license, or a DMV-issued ID card.

COLUMBIA, SC (June 7, 2010) - South Carolina voters go to the polls on Tuesday, June 8^th to vote in the Republican and Democratic Primaries.  Below are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding primaries. 

Q.   Where do I vote?

A.    At the polling place in your precinct.  Your precinct and polling place are listed on your voter registration card.  However, it's possible your polling place may have changed since the card was issued.  To be sure of the location of your polling place:

• Visit www.SCVotes.org and use the "Check Your Voter Registration" tool found under "Voters" in the menu.  Your voter registration record includes your precinct and polling place.
• Call your county voter registration office.

Q.  What hours will the polls be open?

A.  Polling places are open 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.  Anyone in line at 7:00 p.m. will be allowed to vote.

Q.   What do I need to take with me to the polls to vote?

A.  You will be required to show any one of the following items to vote: