South Carolina

South Carolina's primary election is Tuesday, June 9, 2026. The state uses an open primary system, so registered voters may choose to vote in either the Democratic or Republican primary, but not both.

To vote in South Carolina, you must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and a resident of the state, county, and precinct where you plan to vote. You cannot be serving a sentence for a felony conviction (including probation or parole), and you cannot be declared mentally incompetent by a court.

You can register to vote online at the South Carolina Election Commission website, by mail using a downloadable form, or in person at your county voter registration office or any DMV office. The registration deadline is 30 days before any election. You'll need to provide your South Carolina driver's license or ID card number, or the last four digits of your Social Security number.

South Carolina offers absentee voting by mail for voters who meet specific qualifications, including being age 65 or older, having a physical disability, being absent from the county on Election Day for work or vacation, serving as a certified poll watcher or poll manager, being a government employee working on Election Day, or being admitted to a hospital as an emergency patient. You must apply for an absentee ballot and provide a reason that qualifies under state law.

Yes. South Carolina requires voters to show photo identification at the polls. Acceptable IDs include a South Carolina driver's license, DMV-issued ID card, U.S. passport, military ID, or voter registration card with photo. If you don't have a photo ID, you may obtain a free voter registration card with photo from your county voter registration office, or you may vote by provisional ballot after completing a reasonable impediment affidavit.

The general election is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Polls are open from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. If you are in line when polls close at 7:00 PM, you will be allowed to vote.