Frequently asked questions about voting in South Carolina on Election Day

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It’s important to be informed and prepared before heading to the polls. Here are some frequently asked questions about voting in South Carolina that will help you make the process easier.

When are polls open on Election Day?

Polling places will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

If you are in line by 7 p.m., you will be allowed to vote.

What are election officials doing to protect voters at polling places and inperson absentee voting sites from COVID-19?

The South Carolina Election Commission and county election officials are taking steps to make in-person voting as safe as possible for voters and poll managers:

  • Managers will receive special training on sanitizing surfaces and applying social distancing concepts.
  • Managers will be equipped with masks, face shields and gloves.
  • Managers will be provided with sanitizing wipes and will regularly clean common surfaces throughout the day.
  • Check-in stations and voting equipment will be spaced to keep voters and managers at least 6 feet apart.
  • Hand sanitizer will be provided for voters and managers.
  • Voters will be provided with a cotton swab for making selections on the touchscreen.
  • Voters are asked to wear their own mask if they have one and to bring their own pen for signing the poll list.

What do I take with me to the polls to vote?

When voting in person, you will be asked to show one of the following photo IDs:

  • A valid S.C. driver’s license (includes standard license and REAL ID)
  • S.C. Department of Motor Vehicles ID card (includes S.C. Concealed Weapons Permit)
  • S.C. voter registration card with photo
  • U.S. passport
  • Federal military ID (includes all departments)

What happens if I have a photo ID but forget to bring it to my polling place?

You may vote a provisional ballot that will count only if you show your photo ID to your county elections once prior to certification of the election (on Friday after the general election).

What is South Carolina’s new voting system, and how does it work?

South Carolina has been using the ExpressVote ballot-marking system in all elections since Oct. 1, 2019. After checking in at your polling place, you will be given a blank ballot and be directed to an ExpressVote.

  • Insert the ballot into the ExpressVote to begin making your selections on a touchscreen. Making selections on the touchscreen is very similar to making selections on the old voting system.
  • After making your selections, you will do a final review then print your ballot.
  • To cast your vote, you will be directed to a ballot scanner. Review the selections on your printed ballot and insert it into the scanner. The scanner tabulates the votes on your ballot and feeds the ballot into a locked ballot box. The paper ballots are then used to verify and audit election results.

How is the ballot order determined for candidates and political parties?

Candidates for partisan offices appear on the ballot in party order. Party order rotates every two years at the time of the general election. When party order rotates, the party that was previously first in the order moves to the bottom of the list. “Petition” is included in this party rotation so that the place for petition candidates rotates with the parties. Multiple petition candidates are ordered alphabetically by last name.

Candidates for nonpartisan offices are ordered alphabetically by last name. The write-in space always appears last in the list of candidates for a particular office.

How does straight party voting work?

Whether to vote “Straight Party” is the first choice a voter must make on a general election ballot. Voting
straight party is optional. Each political party that has nominated a candidate appearing on the voter’s ballot
is represented in the straight party selection area. If a party is selected under straight party, every candidate
of that party is automatically selected. Voters have the option of overriding the straight party vote for any one office by voting for a candidate other than the party’s nominee (also known as “crossover voting”). While the “crossover” vote will override the straight party selection for that particular office, the straight party selection will continue to apply to all other offices for which no selection was made. Voters should be aware that a straight party selection does not apply to nonpartisan offices and questions. These contests must be voted individually. As always, voters should carefully review their choices on the review screen before casting their ballot.

Is there a write-in option for president and vice president?

No.

When is a recount necessary?

When the difference between any winning candidate and any other non-winning candidate is 1% or less of the total votes cast for all candidates for that office.

Are “ballot selfies” legal? Can I take a picture of my ballot and share it with others?

No. State law prohibits anyone from showing their ballot to another person. The use of cameras is not allowed inside the voting booth.

I saw a candidate/member of candidate’s campaign at my polling place talking to voters. Is that allowed?

Yes, but there are restrictions:

  • Inside the polling place: No campaigning is allowed. Candidates may be inside the polling place and talk to voters as long as they are not campaigning, intimidating voters or interfering with the election process.
  • Within 200 feet of an entrance to a polling place: Candidates and campaign staff may campaign as long as they are not intimidating voters or interfering with the election process. However, no campaign literature, signs or posters are allowed. Candidates are allowed to wear a badge no larger than 4.25” x 4.25” featuring only the candidate’s name and ofice sought. Candidates must remove their badge upon entering a polling place.

A candidate is definitely campaigning while in the polling place, or there is campaign material within 200 feet of the entrance. What can I do?

Inform the poll clerk immediately. If the issue is not resolved, contact the county elections office. The board will address the complaint.

Can candidates or their representatives take people to the polls to vote?

Yes. It is permissible for any person, even a candidate, to give a voter a ride as long as it is being done solely to help facilitate voting. However, no one can give a voter anything of value in exchange for voting.

Where can I report an issue or file a complaint about the election?

Any issues or complaints regarding a polling place on Election Day should first be addressed to the poll managers. Poll managers may be able to quickly resolve the issue. If not resolved at the polling place, or if the issue or complaint is regarding some other aspect of the election, voters should contact their county elections office.

Do employers have to give you time off to vote?

No. There is no state or federal law mandating that employers give time off to employees to vote. Voters who know they will not be able to visit the polls on Election Day should vote absentee before the election.

(Source: South Carolina Election Commission)