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 updated. 

The deadline to register or change information 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. All voters can vote 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 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 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 at the bottom of this 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.

Choosing a primary to vote in

All South Carolina voters can choose whether to vote in the Democratic or the Republican primary. This choice has no impact beyond the primary.  For instance, if you choose to vote in the Democratic primary, that doesn't mean you have to vote for the Democratic candidate in November. 

The League of Women Voters believes it is important for all of us to take a look at what primary elections are available to us and make strategic decisions about where we think our vote matters most out of the options available to us.

Choosing a candidate to vote for

Who will best represent you? That is for you to decide, of course!

To get the information you need to make that decision, the League of Women Voters is proud to offer VOTE411.org. It’s a one-stop-shop of voter resources, including a personalized voter guide showing you who is competing for your vote this June. Candidate information as well as their responses to a League questionnaire – if a candidate chose to complete it – are already available.

Get your vote on!

Informational resources:

VOTE411.org  for your personalized online voter guide as well as links to voter registration and related resources at the South Carolina Election Commission: SCVotes.gov .