September X, 2026 Update DRAFT, NOT FINAL: DO NOT SHARE

It’s full speed ahead toward the November 3 midterm elections! Here are some League tips to make sure you’re ready—and confident—in your ability to cast your ballot in South Carolina.

Don’t believe everything you see online!

Even well-intentioned people are posting inaccurate information on social media platforms. You need to know what South Carolina law permits and requires. The League of Women Voters’ VOTE411.org is a reliable source of information. The South Carolina Election Commission provides trustworthy information at SCVotes.gov.

Check that your registration is up-to-date this month.

Enter your information at VOTE411 to confirm you’re listed at your current address. September is the month to resolve any questions since voters must be registered by midnight, October 5 to vote in the midterms. 

• If you are not listed as an active registrant, you can easily make corrections or even reregister online by October 5
• Can’t confirm you’re registered, or unsure? Call your County Board of Elections to look up your registration and advise next steps. 

Plan your vote!

You can vote: 

• early in person during the early voting period
• absentee by mail if you meet a qualifying reason or
• in person at your assigned polling place on Election Day.

Inactive voter? No problem!

The Election Commission lists voters as inactive (NOT purged) under some circumstances, but if you show up at the polls and are not listed as active, you can still vote! 

• If you haven’t moved, just confirm (show proof?) your address when asked. 
• If you have moved, the Clerk can help you change your address and/or provide a provisional ballot, if necessary. 

No, the address on your photo ID does not need to be current. 

The Poll Manager is using your photo ID to confirm that you are the person listed in the Electronic Poll Book. Passports, military IDs, and SC IDs acquired at a previous address are acceptable as long as those IDs have not expired.

Make sure your vote is counted! Vote early and avoid the hassle. 

Early in-person voting at county locations eliminates confusion about neighborhood polling places or last minute changes on Election Day. Plus you’ll also have time and ready access to county staff who can help resolve any issues.

• Monday – Saturday, October 19-31 (closed Sunday, October 25)
• 8:30 am – 6 pm, county locations 

The League strongly recommends EARLY IN PERSON VOTING for every qualified elector who can get to an early voting site.

Sending your ballot by US mail? 

Not everyone can vote by mail in South Carolina; check to see if you qualify. If you do qualify and choose to vote this way, we recommend taking your voter registration form, application to vote absentee, or absentee ballot to the PO retail counter for a manual postmark. 

• Voter registrations must be postmarked no later than October 5.
• Applications to vote absentee must be postmarked no later than October 23. 
• Mailed ballots must be received in the County Board of Elections office by Election Day so mail no later than October 27. 

Stamps and ballots: don’t waste money. 

Some states provide postage paid envelopes for vote-by-mail ballots. South Carolina law does not require county election offices to provide prepaid postage for ballot return, although it is not prohibited. 

Facebook is full of posts saying that if you have a postage paid envelope you should stamp it anyway, to make it 1st Class mail. FALSE. All ballots are automatically 1st Class, whether prepaid or not.

If you receive a postage prepaid envelope to return your ballot, don’t waste your money. Otherwise use a stamp for the correct amount of postage so your ballot will be delivered!

Voting absentee by mail? Be in the know. 

South Carolina will begin sending ballots around October 4, 30 days before the election. You can track the status of your ballot online or call your County Board of Elections.

• Your application to vote absentee must be postmarked by October 23, 5 pm. Take your letter to the PO retail counter for a manual postmark rather than dropping it in a mailbox. 
• Make sure your mailed ballot is complete—as easy as 1-2-3!  

1. Put your ballot in the secrecy envelope, then insert the secrecy envelope in the outer envelope. 
2. On the outer envelope, sign and date the Voter’s Oath. 
3. Get a witness (anyone over 18) and provide their information below yours.

Can’t return your ballot yourself?

Immediate family members and authorized representatives can return absentee ballots to the county voter registration office or an early voting center in the voter’s county of residence. However, the ballot must be accompanied by an Authorized Returnee form and the person delivering it must show a photo ID. An individual cannot return more than five ballots. 

Changed your mind about using the mail? 

You have options:

• You can call your County Board of Elections no later than ? to cancel your request to vote absentee. 
• You can drop off your completed absentee ballot in person at your County Board of Elections office or at any early voting location. Remember to bring your photo ID. (South Carolina does not have drop boxes.) 
• You can vote by provisional ballot at your early voting location or neighborhood polling place on Election Day as long as you have not already submitted an absentee ballot. 

Election Protection Hotline: 866-OUR VOTE (866-687-8683) 

The League of Women Voters is a partner in the national, nonpartisan Election Protection Coalition. Trained volunteers can help you find answers year round, including on Election Day. Contact them by phone, text, or WhatsApp. 

The bottom line: insist on a provisional ballot. 

If you’re in line at 7 pm on Election Day, you have a right to vote. If there is any question about your status, request a provisional ballot. Don’t leave without voting! Questions and eligibility can be resolved later.