How to Vote in South Carolina

Flag of South Carolina
“Dum Spiro Spero”— While I Breathe, I Hope
Capital: Columbia Nickname: The Palmetto State Admitted: 1788 (8th state) Electoral Votes: 9
State Bird: Carolina Wren State Flower: Yellow Jessamine
Registration Deadline 30 days before Election Day
Voter ID Required Strict photo ID
Early Voting Yes
Absentee / Mail-In No-excuse
Polling Hours 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Electoral Votes 9

Voter Registration in South Carolina

The voter registration deadline in South Carolina is 30 days before Election Day.

South Carolina offers online voter registration.

South Carolina does not have automatic voter registration.

Register to vote in South Carolina →

Voter ID Requirements in South Carolina

South Carolina requires Strict photo ID identification to vote.

Early Voting in South Carolina

Yes — South Carolina offers early voting.

Begins 15 days before Election Day at county election offices (enacted 2022)

Absentee & Mail-In Voting in South Carolina

Absentee and mail-in voting in South Carolina: No-excuse.

Any registered voter may request an absentee ballot by mail without providing a reason (expanded 2022)

Polling Hours in South Carolina

Polls in South Carolina are open 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM.

Voting Rights & Restoration in South Carolina

Felony voting rights in South Carolina: After completion of sentence.

After You Vote in South Carolina

Your vote matters — and you have the right to confirm it was received and counted.

Track your ballot: Visit the South Carolina Secretary of State elections website to check the status of your ballot.
Verify your registration: Confirm your voter registration is still active at CanIVote.org or Vote.org.
Voted by mail? Use USPS Informed Delivery to track your ballot envelope in transit.
Provisional ballot? Keep your receipt — most states let you check its status online within 7–10 days.
Need help? Call the Election Protection Hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683).
Register to Vote in South Carolina →