South Carolina: Hurricane-Related Voter Assistance
Because of Hurricane Helene, many people have been displaced from their homes. They may need to deal with relocated polling places, delayed or interrupted postal service, and lost or inaccessible identification documents.
South Carolina has taken steps to help voters impacted by natural disasters cast a ballot.
Find the answers to some frequently asked questions.
In South Carolina, you can request an absentee ballot by calling, visiting, or sending your request to your county’s voter registration office. There is no online option to request an absentee ballot. The deadline to request an absentee ballot is October 25 at 5 p.m.
To request an absentee ballot, you will need to provide your name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your social security number. An immediate family member may make an absentee ballot request for you. An authorized representative may also complete the absentee ballot request form.
After requesting an absentee ballot application, you must then complete and return the application. You may do this by mail or in person at your county voter registration office.
In South Carolina, you may return your absentee ballot to your county voter registration office or either by mail or personal delivery. If you return your ballot to the county voter registration office, it must be received by November 5 at 7 p.m. You may also return your ballot to an early voting center.
When returning the completed and signed absentee ballot or voting in person, you must present your photo ID.
Your immediate family member or authorized representative may return your absentee ballot for you after you and that person complete a form to authorize the return of the absentee ballot.
Look up your county voter registration office
Authorization to return absentee ballot form
Because of potential hurricane impacts on mail delivery, be sure to mail your ballot early enough to be received by Election Day. South Carolina Election Commission states: “Ballots returned by mail should be mailed no later than one week prior to election day to help ensure timely delivery.”
South Carolina provides two options for voters to vote in person:
- Early voting locations are open Monday, October 21 through Saturday, November 2 (but closed Sunday, October 27). Early voting centers are open 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- You can vote at your polling place on Election Day, November 5, 2024. Polling places are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Anyone in line at 7 p.m. will be allowed to vote.
South Carolina has options for voters who have lost their identification documents, including obtaining a voter ID on or before Election Day or voting provisionally. Be sure to explore your options and make a plan early on how you will vote.
Options to vote if you don’t have ID
In South Carolina, voters must bring their photo ID to vote. If you have lost the documents needed to establish identification to vote, South Carolina provides two options:
- You may go to your county voter registration and elections 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 ID Cards are also available from the Department of Motor Vehicles.
- If you cannot get a photo ID, bring your non-photo voter registration card with you to the polling place. Inform the poll managers that you do not have a photo ID and could not get one. Present your current, non-photo registration card. Sign the affidavit provided by the poll managers stating why you could not obtain a photo ID. You will cast a provisional ballot that will be counted unless the county board of voter registration and elections has reason to believe your affidavit is false.