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South Carolina

A State-by-State Guide to Absentee Voting

How do I request an absentee ballot?
Voters can begin applying as early as January 1 to vote absentee for any election held during that same year. Application may be made in person, by phone, or in writing by contacting your County Voter Registration Office in the county in which you are registered.

Where do I send the request?
Send your application to your County Voter Registration Office. For a complete listing of county offices and contact information, go here.

What is the deadline for requesting an absentee ballot?
If applying by mail, the county voter registration office must receive your application no later than four days prior to Election Day:
October 31 for the General Election

If you wish, you may apply and vote in person up until 5:00 pm the day before Election Day:
November 3 for the General Election

What is the voting procedure?
Your completed absentee ballot must be placed in the “Ballots Herein” envelope provided with your absentee ballot. The “Ballots Herein” envelope will then be placed inside a “Return Envelope” which you must sign and have witnessed before returning.

What are the deadlines for voting absentee?
By close of polls on Election Day.

What are the election dates and deadlines for 2008?
General Election: November 4
Voter registration closes 30 days prior to Election Day.

How do I contact the Secretary of State / election officials?
State Election Commission
P.O. Box 5987
Columbia, SC 29205
http://www.scvotes.org
E-mail: elections@elections.sc.gov
Tel: 803-734-9060
Fax:803-734-9366


Are there requirements for first-time voters?
No.

Is permanent absentee status available?
No.

Additional information:
Website on Absentee Voting