Press Releases

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: 

COLUMBIA, SC (June 2, 2010) - The State Election Commission wants to remind voters of impending deadlines for voting absentee in the June 8^th State Primaries.

Qualified voters may vote absentee in person or by mail:

In Person - Due to risks associated with voting by mail at this late date, this is currently the recommended method of voting absentee.  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 7^th.

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 mailed an application.

COLUMBIA, S.C. (May 3, 2010) - To help ensure the upcoming State Primaries run as efficiently as possible, the State Election commission wants to remind everyone of upcoming voter registration deadlines and urge those already registered to update their information.

Those who wish to vote in the Primaries on June 8th must be registered by May 8th. Voters who have moved from one county to another must be registered to vote in their new county by May 8th.

REGISTER:

To help ensure the upcoming State Primaries run as efficiently as possible, the State Election commission wants to remind everyone of upcoming voter registration deadlines and urge those already registered to update their information.

Those who wish to vote in the Primaries on June 8^th must be registered by May 8^th.  Voters who have moved from one county to another must be registered to vote in their new county by May 8^th.

REGISTER:

COLUMBIA, S.C. (March 17, 2010) - Early registration is underway for all 17-year-old citizens who will turn 18-years-old on or before November 2, 2010.  Any 17-year-old who registers by May 8^th will be eligible to vote in the June 8^th State Primaries, even if they have not yet reached 18 years of age.

Voters must be registered by May 8, 2010 to vote in the June 8^th State Primaries.

Voters must be registered by October 2, 2010 to vote in the November 2^nd General Election.

This early registration allows those 17-year-old voters who are eligible to vote in the General Election to also participate in the political parties' nominating processes for the General Election. 

According to S.C. Code of Laws §7-5-180, those individuals who are not yet 18-years-old but will turn 18 before the next ensuing General Election, and who otherwise qualify to vote, have the right to register beginning 120 days prior to the closing of the books of a preceding primary.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—May 23, 2006

Contact: Chris Whitmire

Phone: (803) 734-9070

E-mail: cwhitmire@elections.sc.gov

WHO MAY VOTE ABSENTEE IN THE JUNE 13 PRIMARIES?

Registered voters who are: