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South Carolina · How-To Guide

How do I register to vote or check my registration?

County Voter Registration and Elections Office (county level - each of SC's 46 counties) / South Carolina Election Commission (SCEC) - state level
Step by Step

How to do it

  1. Confirm eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen, SC resident and a resident of the county and precinct where you register, at least 18 years old on or before the next election, NOT currently confined in any public prison as a result of any criminal conviction (misdemeanor OR felony), have not been convicted of a felony or offense against election laws (OR if previously convicted, have served entire sentence including probation and parole OR received a pardon), and not declared mentally incompetent by court order
  2. Choose your registration method:
  3. ONLINE: scvotes.gov (SCEC online voter registration portal) - requires SC DMV driver's license or state ID number; if you have moved, update your address with SC DMV first; registration deadline: 30 days before election
  4. BY MAIL: Download SC voter registration form from scvotes.gov; complete, sign, mail to your County Voter Registration and Elections office - must be received 30 days before election
  5. IN PERSON: County Voter Registration and Elections office; SC DMV (motor voter); many state agencies; deadline: 30 days before election
  6. NOTE: South Carolina does NOT offer same-day voter registration
  7. Submit registration by 30 days before Election Day
  8. Receive voter registration card
Details

What you need to know

Required Docs
  • SC driver's license or state ID number (for online); OR last 4 digits of SSN
  • Current SC address
Fee
Free REGISTRATION DEADLINE: 30 days before Election Day (received) NO SAME-DAY REGISTRATION: South Carolina does NOT offer same-day voter registration CHECK YOUR REGISTRATION: scvotes.gov or myvoter.sc.gov EARLY VOTING: South Carolina offers no-excuse in-person early voting beginning 15 days before Election Day through the Saturday before; hours and locations vary by county - some counties offer extended hours and multiple sites; excellent early voting option NO-EXCUSE ABSENTEE VOTING: Any registered SC voter may request an absentee ballot without excuse; application deadline: 11 days before election by 5 PM; returned ballot must be received by county before Election Day by 7 PM; drop-off at county office accepted ONLINE OPTION: Yes - scvotes.gov (registration, absentee request, status check) WHERE TO GO: County Voter Registration and Elections office; SC DMV; state agencies; online at scvotes.gov
Online Option
Yes - scvotes.gov (registration, absentee request, status check)
Where to Go
County Voter Registration and Elections office; SC DMV; state agencies; online at scvotes.gov
County-specific variations apply

Each of SC's 46 counties has its own Voter Registration and Elections office. Richland County (Columbia), Greenville County, Charleston County, Horry County (Myrtle Beach/Conway), Lexington County, and Spartanburg County have the most active election operations. Early voting sites and hours vary significantly by county; contact your specific county for locations. Some larger counties (Greenville, Charleston, Richland) offer multiple early voting locations.

South Carolina Notes

Important state-specific details

  • NO SAME-DAY REGISTRATION - 30-day advance deadline.
  • EARLY VOTING: SC has had strong in-person early voting since 2022 (no excuse, begins 15 days before election); popular option; no excuse required.
  • NO-EXCUSE ABSENTEE: any registered voter may vote by mail; application required by 11 days before election.
  • FELONY AND INCARCERATION RESTRICTIONS (IMPORTANT - BROAD): SC restricts voting for ALL persons currently confined in public prison as a result of ANY criminal conviction (including misdemeanors - broader than many states); AND for those convicted of felonies or election offenses who have NOT completed their entire sentence including probation and parole; voting rights restored automatically upon completing entire sentence; pardons also restore rights.
  • PHOTO ID REQUIRED for in-person voting (including early voting): SC driver's license or DMV ID, military ID, passport, SC voter registration card, and other government photo IDs; free SC voter ID card available from county election office.
  • Polls open 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM on Election Day.
Official Source

State office contact

State Office
South Carolina Election Commission - scvotes.gov | (803) 734-9060; myvoter.sc.gov; County Voter Registration and Elections office (varies by county)