What you should know before voting in South Carolina

MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) – With Election Day just around the corner, here's what you should know when 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 your district information.

When do the polls open?

Polling stations open at 7 a.m. on election day and close at 7 p.m. Anyone in line at 7 p.m. can still vote.

CAN I BRING MY CHILD?

Yes, children under 18 are allowed to accompany a voter in a voting booth.

CAN I VOTE EARLY?

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

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO BRING?

Voters in South Carolina are asked to provide one of the following photo IDs:

• Driver's license
• ID card issued by the SC Department of Motor Vehicles
• Voter registration card with photo
• Bundeswehr ID card
• US passport

What if you don't have a photo ID?

According to the South Carolina Election Commission:

“If you do not have any of these photo IDsYou can make your voting experience as quick and easy as possible by picking up a copy before Election Day. If you are already registered to vote, you can contact your county's voter registration and elections office, provide your date of birth and the last four digits of your Social Security number, and have your photo taken. You can even do this on Election Day. Free ID cards are also available from the Department of Motor Vehicles.

If you can't get a photo IDbring your voter registration card without a photo to the polling place. You can contact your county's voter registration office if you need to replace your non-photo voter registration card. You may participate in a provisional vote after signing an affidavit stating that you have a reasonable objection to being issued a photo ID. A reasonable impediment is any reasonable cause beyond your control that constitutes an impediment to the issuance of a photo ID. Some examples include: a disability or illness, a conflict with your work schedule, lack of transportation, a lack of a birth certificate, family obligations, a religious objection to photography, and any other obstacle you deem appropriate. This ballot will count unless someone proves to the county Board of Voter Registration and Elections that you are lying about your identity or have the obstacle listed.

To vote under the reasonable disability exception:

1. Inform the election officials that you do not have a photo ID and were unable to obtain one.
2. Present your current registration card without a photo.
3. Sign the returning officer's affidavit explaining why you were unable to obtain a photo ID.
4. Cast a provisional vote that will be counted unless the county Board of Voter Registration and Elections has reason to believe your affidavit is false.

What happens if you forget your photo ID?

If you forget your photo ID when you cast your vote, you can vote with a provisional ballot, which will only count if you present photo ID to your county elections office before the election is certified.

The results will be certified on Friday after the general election, which would take place on November 8th.

CAN I VOTE WITHOUT MY NON-PHOTO VOTER REGISTRATION CARD?

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

What happens if I vote absentee?

Absentee ballots must be returned by mail or hand delivery to the county election office by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day. They can also be returned to an early voting center during the early voting period.

Are there laws allowing candidates to post signs along the street?

According to the South Carolina Election Commission:

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

Can candidates or their representatives take people to the polls?

Yes – anyone can take a voter with them, as long as it is solely to help them vote. No one is allowed to offer anything of value in return for voting.

CAN CAMPAIGNS PUT UP SIGNS ALONG THE ROADWAY?

According to the South Carolina Election Commission:

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

Can candidates and/or campaigns speak to voters at a polling place?

According to the South Carolina Election Commission:

Yes, but there are restrictions:

At the polling station: Election campaigning is not allowed. Candidates are allowed to be at the polling station and speak to voters as long as they do not campaign, intimidate voters or disrupt the voting process.

Within 500 feet of a polling place entrance: Candidates and campaign staff are allowed to campaign as long as they do 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 inches and bearing only the candidate's name and the office sought. Candidates must remove their ID when entering a polling station.

What happens if I am invited to an exit survey?

Election Day polls are legal and voluntary, but are not operated by the South Carolina Election Commission or county boards of elections.

WHERE CAN I FILE A COMPLAINT ABOUT THE ELECTION?

If you have a problem at your polling place, contact your election official or county elections office as soon as possible.

Stay with WMBF News for updates.

Copyright 2024 WMBF. All rights reserved.