By james art 
MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) – As Election Day approaches, here’s what you need to know if you’re voting in South Carolina.
WHEN IS ELECTION DAY?
Election Day is November 5, 2024.
WHAT’S IN MY NEWSLETTER?
Click here to check your sample newsletter online.
WHERE SHOULD I VOTE?
Click here to access information for your area.
WHEN DO SURVEYS OPEN?
Polling stations will open at 7:00 a.m. on Election Day and close at 7:00 p.m. Anyone in line at 7pm will still be eligible to vote.
CAN I BRING MY CHILD WITH ME?
Yes, children under 18 can accompany a voter to a voting booth.
CAN I VOTE IN ADVANCE?
Early voting in South Carolina ends Saturday, November 2.
WHAT SHOULD YOU WEAR?
Voters in South Carolina will be asked to show one of the following photo IDs:
- Driver’s license
- Identity Card issued by SC Motor Vehicle Department
- Voter registration card with photo
- Federal military ID card
- American passport
WHAT IF YOU DON’T HAVE PHOTO ID?
According to the South Carolina Board of Elections:
“If you don’t have one of these photo IDsyou can make your vote as quick and easy as possible by getting one before Election Day. If you’re already registered to vote, you can go to your county’s voter registration and election office, provide your date of birth and the last four digits of your social security number, and have your photo taken. You can do this even on election day. Free ID cards are also available from the Department of Motor Vehicles.
If you can’t get a photo IDcarry your voter card without photo with you to the polling station. You can contact your county voter registration office if you need to replace your non-photo voter registration card. You can vote by provisional ballot after you sign an affidavit that you have a reasonable impediment to obtaining a photo ID. A reasonable impediment is any reasonable cause that is beyond your control and has created an obstacle to obtaining a photo ID. Some examples include: disability or illness, conflict with your work schedule, lack of transportation, lack of birth certificate, family responsibilities, religious objection to being photographed, and any other obstacle you deem reasonable. This ballot will be counted unless someone proves to the County Board of Voter Registration and Elections that you are lying about your identity or have a listed disability.
For voting except for a reasonable impediment:
- Inform the survey managers that you do not have a photo ID and cannot obtain one.
- Present your current registration card without photo.
- Sign the affidavit provided by the survey managers stating why you cannot obtain a photo ID.
- Cast a provisional ballot that will be counted unless the county board of voter registration and elections has reason to believe your affidavit is false.
WHAT IF YOU FORGOT YOUR PHOTO ID?
If you forgot your photo ID when you go to vote, you will be able to vote with a provisional ballot that will only be counted if you show photo ID at your county election office before the election is certified.
The results are certified on the Friday after the general election, which will be held on November 8.
CAN I VOTE WITHOUT MY VOTER REGISTRATION CARD WITHOUT A PHOTO?
yes You can also get a replacement card at any time at your county election office.
WHAT IF I VOTE ABSENTEE?
Absentee ballots must be returned to the county election office by mail or in person by 7 p.m. on Election Day. They can also be returned to an early voting center during the early voting period.
ARE THERE LAWS REGARDING CANDIDATES POSTING SIGNS ON THE ROAD?
According to the South Carolina Board of Elections:
Yes, there are several state laws regarding political road signs, as well as county and municipal ordinances. See SC Code Sections 57-25-10, 57-25-140 and 7-25-210. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the entity that maintains the road (state, county, or municipality) to enforce applicable sign laws.
CAN CANDIDATES OR THEIR REPRESENTATIVES LEAD PEOPLE TO THE ELECTIONS TO VOTE?
Yes – anyone can drive a voter as long as it is done solely to help them vote. No one is allowed to offer anything of value in exchange for a vote.
CAN CAMPAIGNS PUT SIGNS ALONG THE ROAD?
According to the South Carolina Board of Elections:
Yes, there are several state laws regarding political road signs, as well as county and municipal ordinances. See SC Code Sections 57-25-10, 57-25-140 and 7-25-210. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the entity that maintains the road (state, county, or municipality) to enforce applicable sign laws.
CAN CANDIDATES AND/OR CAMPAIGNS TALK TO VOTERS AT THE POLLING PLACE?
According to the South Carolina Board of Elections:
Yes, but there are limitations:
Inside the polling station: No campaign allowed. Candidates can be inside polling stations and talk to voters as long as they don’t campaign, intimidate voters or interfere with the election process.
Within 500 feet of the entrance to the polling place: Candidates and campaign staff can campaign as long as they do not intimidate voters or interfere with the election process. However, no campaign literature, signs or posters are permitted. Applicants are permitted to wear a badge no larger than 4.25” x 4.25” containing only the applicant’s name and position sought. Candidates must remove their badge upon entering the polling station.
WHAT IF I’M INVITED TO THE EXIT POL?
Exit polls are legal and voluntary, but are not conducted by the South Carolina Election Commission or county election boards.
WHERE CAN I FILE AN ELECTION COMPLAINT?
If you have a problem at your particular polling place, contact your polling station manager or county election office as soon as possible.
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