During this pandemic and election year, voting may be a little more complicated than normal.  If you are 18 or older, or will turn 18 by the end of 2020, you can register to vote in South Carolina online at https://info.scvotes.sc.gov/eng/ovr/start.aspx. The deadline for voting registrations are October 2nd, 4th, and 5th depending on how you are registering. If you register in person the deadline is the 2nd. If you register online it is the 4th. When you register by mail it has to be postmarked by the 5th.

After you are registered, you have several options for how to vote. You can go to your polling place on election day and vote like normal, but be prepared for longer lines and social distancing guidelines. If you choose to vote in person you will be asked to show a form of identification with a picture of yourself; such as a driver’s license. If you cannot get one or lost yours, bring your non-photo registration card with you to the polling place.

You can also mail in your ballot. You must request a mail in ballot online. You could print it and fill the form out by hand, or type it up and print it. After you have completed this step, signing the form is key. Then you will be mailing this form to the location that is listed on this website. In South Carolina, you have to request the ballot to be mailed to you. Your reason for requesting a ballot would be state of emergency. The deadline to request a ballot by mail is October 24.

Due to voting through mail however, it may take longer to get election results. In 2016, 23.6% of ballots were cast through the mail. Many believe that it is possible these rated could reach 50-70%.

Remember, you have a right to vote if you are 18 or older. Every vote matters, and it is a great way to express your opinion.