What to know before you head to the polls in South Carolina

MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) – Election Day is just around the corner. 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 ON MY BALLOT?

Click here to check your sample ballot online.

WHERE CAN I VOTE?

Click here to access information about your district.

WHEN DOES THE SURVEY OPEN?

Polling stations will open at 7 a.m. on election day and close at 7 p.m. Anyone in line at 7 p.m. will still be able to vote.

CAN I TAKE MY CHILD WITH ME?

Yes, children under 18 years of age may accompany the voter to the ballot box.

CAN I VOTE EARLY?

Early voting in South Carolina ends on Saturday, November 2.

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO BRING?

Voters in South Carolina will be asked to show one of the following photo IDs:

Driving license
Identification card issued by the SC Department of Motor Vehicles
Voter registration card with photo
Federal military ID
American passport

WHAT IF YOU DON’T HAVE A PHOTO ID?

According to the South Carolina Election Commission:

“If you don’t have one of these photo IDsyou can make your ballots as quick and easy as possible by receiving them before Election Day. If you are already registered to vote, you can go to your county’s voter registration and elections office, provide your date of birth and the last four digits of your Social Security number, and then ask to have your photo taken. This can even be done on election day. Free ID cards can also be obtained from the Department of Motor Vehicles.

If you cannot obtain photo IDTake your voter registration card without a photo with you to the polling station. If you would like to replace a voter registration card that does not have a photo, you can contact your county’s voter registration office. You can vote on a provisional ballot after signing an affidavit stating that there are reasonable barriers to obtaining a photo ID. A reasonable impediment is any valid reason beyond your control that would prevent you from obtaining a photo ID. Some examples include: disability or illness, conflict with work schedule, lack of transportation, lack of a birth certificate, family responsibilities, religious objections to photography, and any other obstacles you deem reasonable. This ballot will count unless someone can prove to the county’s Voter Registration and Elections Commission that you are lying about your identity or have a listed disability.

To vote under the reasonable obstruction exception:

Inform the survey managers that you do not have photo ID and cannot obtain one.
Show your current registration card without a photo.
Sign the declaration provided by survey managers explaining why you cannot obtain photo ID.
Return your provisional ballot and it will be counted unless your county’s Voter Registration and Elections Board has reason to believe your statement is false.

WHAT IF YOU FORGOT YOUR PHOTO ID?

If you forget your photo ID while voting, you will be able to vote using a provisional ballot that will only count if you present your photo ID to the county elections office before the election is certified.

The results will be announced on Friday after the November 8 general election.

CAN I VOTE WITHOUT MY NO-PHOTO REGISTRATION CARD?

Yes. You can also get a replacement card at any time from your county election office.

WHAT IF I VOTE ABSENTEE?

Absentee ballots must be returned to the county election office by mail or delivered in person by 7 p.m. on election day. They can also be returned to the early voting center during the early voting period.

ARE THERE LAWS APPLICABLE TO CANDIDATES PUT UP SIGNS ALONG ROADS?

According to the South Carolina Election Commission:

Yes, there are several state laws regarding political signs on roads, as well as county and municipal ordinances. See SC Code of Laws Sections 57-25-10, 57-25-140 and 7-25-210. Ultimately, the entity maintaining the road (state, county or municipality) is responsible for enforcing applicable sign laws.

DO CANDIDATES OR THEIR REPRESENTATIVES INVITE PEOPLE TO THE BOXES TO VOTE?

Yes – anyone can give a voter a lift, as long as it is solely to help them cast their vote. No one is allowed to offer anything of value in exchange for voting.

CAN CAMPAIGNS PUT SIGNS ALONG ROADS?

According to the South Carolina Election Commission:

Can candidates and/or campaigns talk to voters at the polling place?

According to the South Carolina Election Commission:

Yes, but there are limitations:

Inside the polling station: No campaign allowed. Candidates may be in the polling place and talk to voters as long as it does not campaign, intimidate voters or disrupt the electoral process.

Within 150 meters of the entrance to the polling station: Candidates and campaign workers may campaign as long as it does not intimidate voters or disrupt the electoral process. However, no campaign literature, signs or posters are permitted. Candidates may wear a badge no larger than 4.25″ x 4.25″ containing only the candidate’s name and the position sought. Candidates are required to remove their badge after entering the polling station.

WHAT IF I INVITE YOU TO TAKE AN EXIT POLL SURVEY?

Exit polls are legal and voluntary, but are not conducted by the South Carolina Board of Elections or county boards of elections.

WHERE CAN I FILE A COMPLAINT ABOUT THE ELECTIONS?

If you have a problem at a specific polling place, please contact your polling place manager or county election office as soon as possible.

Stay tuned to WMBF News for updates.