We often think of November as “election season,” and it’s true that this November, we will have midterm general elections, electing people to serve us at all levels of government — federal, state, and local.

But the election coming up on June 14 — the primary election — is also important, and all voters should focus on it now.  

What is a primary election?

It’s our system for narrowing a field of candidates down to one candidate per party per race.

Most of our elections are partisan, with candidates representing a political party. In partisan elections, only one person per party can run in the November general election for a given seat. So, if multiple candidates from a single party are running for a seat, they first have to compete against each other in a primary election. The winner of that primary will represent the party in the general election.

Why are primaries important? 

For one thing, because all elections are important. Primaries are a crucial stage in the process of selecting the people who will make crucial decisions on our behalf about how our county, our state, and our nation work.

In addition, for many elected offices, the primary election is the most important election. Because so many seats are “safe” for one political party, the general election is often a sure bet for that party (or uncontested). So the “real” challenge, if any, happens in the primary election. This means that voting in the primary election is often your best opportunity to have a say in who represents you.

Prepping for the primary — what should you do now? 

Register to vote or check voter registration information.

First, make sure that you’re registered to vote and that your information is up to date. The deadline to register or change information to be eligible to vote in the primary was May 15.  But voter registration is open year-round! Register today to vote in the November general election. 

And spread the word in your networks to do the same. One thing that we know is that the most effective message about voting and elections comes from a trusted messenger. And in your network, that is you!

Make a voting plan.

Voters have two options to vote in person —on Election Day or during the two-week early voting period. With an "excuse," eligible voters can vote absentee by mail. 

Voting in person

On June 14, Election Day, polls are open from 7 am -7 pm. 

Check to make sure you know where your polling place is! There are some changes in polling places in most elections so stay tuned to the League for up-to-date information as soon as we have it. 

Early voting is available May 31- June 10, 8:30 am- 5 pm (closed Saturday and Sunday, June 4-5).

Find your locations at the bottom of the page. 

Voting absentee by mail 

If you have an “excuse,” you can vote absentee by mail.

Excuses include being age 65+, or if you can't vote in person during the two-week early voting period or on Election Day. Click Absentee Voting at the South Carolina Election Commission (SCVotes.gov) for the latest info about absentee voting. Find your area's details about voting absentee by mail at the bottom of the page. 

Voting absentee by mail requires a number of steps. Applications are due June 3. You need to act fast to make sure you can complete all those steps and get your ballot submitted on or before June 14.