Press Release

COLUMBIA, S.C. (May 11, 2022) – To help ensure voters are prepared for the 2022 Statewide Primaries on June 14, the State Election Commission wants to remind everyone of the fast-approaching voter registration deadlines and urge those already registered to update their information.  With only a few days left before the deadline, now is the time to make sure you are registered to vote. 

DON’T WAIT! REGISTERING TO VOTE HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER.

COLUMBIA, S.C. (March 15, 2022) – The South Carolina State Election Commission (SEC) today released a comprehensive booklet that outlines every step taken to ensure secure, accurate and accessible elections. This resource is the first of its kind to be created to help both decision makers and the general public better understand how the state’s election system works.

“We’re excited to launch this new public guide to the laws and procedures that govern our elections,” said SEC Executive Director, Howard Knapp. “Voters deserve to know how our elections work , how they are kept secure, and why they should trust the integrity of election results.”

The booklet covers a variety of topics including cybersecurity, voter registration list maintenance, voting system security, voter verification, poll manager responsibilities, absentee voting, ballot reconciliation, election audits and election crimes.  The SEC plans to update the document as election laws and SEC policies and procedures evolve so that it remains a current resource into the future.

COLUMBIA, SC (March 9, 2022) – The 2022 partisan candidate filing period opens noon, March 16 and closes noon, March 30.  All partisan candidates seeking office in the 2022 General Election must file during this period. 

Candidate Tracking System: See who filed in real time, view documents, download data.

Locations:

• Federal, statewide, and multi-county offices - State Election Commission (SEC).
• State House of Representatives - SEC or County Board in County of Residence.
• Various County-Level Offices - County Board.

Hours: Regular business hours during the filing period.

COLUMBIA, S.C. (January 28, 2022) – The S.C. State Election Commission on Thursday voted unanimously to name Howard M. Knapp as Executive Director of the agency.  The selection of Knapp ends a three-month appointment process that began in October 2021.  The Executive Director serves as the state’s chief election official and is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the agency.

Prior to becoming Executive Director, Knapp served as the Interim Executive Director and Director of Voter Services. In his role as Director of Voter Services, Knapp was responsible for information technology, cyber security, support of the statewide voting system, the agency’s Area Representatives, and the agency’s election audit initiatives and processes.

May 24, 2022 – Greenville County

Primary Results

Important Dates & Deadlines

Filing Opens:  Noon, Friday, January 21

Filing Closes:  Noon, Saturday, January 29

Find candidate names and information

February 20 - Voter Registration Deadline for Primary (mail-in voter registration forms will be accepted if postmarked by Tuesday, February 22)

March 22 - Primary (if necessary)

April 5 - Primary Runoff (if necessary)

April 24 - Voter Registration Deadline for Special Election (mail-in voter registration forms will be accepted if postmarked by Monday, April 25)

May 24 - Special Election

Candidate Filing Information

March 29, 2022 - Florence and Darlington Counties

Primary Results

Special Election Results

Important Dates & Deadlines

Filing Opens:  Noon, Friday, December 3, 2021

Filing Closes:  Noon, Saturday, December 11

Find candidate names and information

December 26 - Voter Registration Deadline for Primary (mail-in voter registration forms will be accepted if postmarked by Monday, December 27)

January 25, 2022 - Primary

February 27 - Voter Registration Deadline for Special Election (mail-in voter registration forms will be accepted if postmarked by Monday, February 28)

March 29 - Special Election

Candidate Filing Information

COLUMBIA, S.C. (October 7, 2021) – Absentee voting is underway at county elections offices throughout the state for local elections held on November 2nd. The State Election Commission (SEC) would like to remind voters that that the special provisions for absentee voting in effect for the 2020 General Election have expired and a qualifying reason (listed below) is required to vote absentee in any election in South Carolina.

See a list of all upcoming municipal elections in 2021.

Qualified to vote absentee? Vote in person or by mail:

In Person

Step 1: Visit your county elections office up until 5:00 p.m. on Monday, November 1.  

Step 2: Complete an application.