Make your Plan to Vote Early for the November 3 Statewide General Election

COLUMBIA - The State Election Commission (SEC) is encouraging voters who want to vote early in the upcoming statewide General Election on Nov. 3 to make a plan to cast their ballot. Voters can make their voices heard as early as next week, when the early voting period begins.  

What is early voting? 

Early voting gives eligible voters the opportunity to visit an early voting center two weeks prior to Election Day and cast their ballot in person. Voters do not need to provide a reason to vote early.  

When does early voting start? 

• Early voting begins on Monday, Oct. 19, and ends Saturday, Oct. 31. 
• Early voting centers are open 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Monday- Saturday). 
• Early voting centers will be closed on Sunday, Oct. 25.

Where do I go to vote early? 

• Voters can find their early voting centers by visiting scVOTES.gov or by contacting their county voter registration and elections office. 
• Early voting locations may differ from voters’ assigned Election Day polling places. Voters should confirm their early voting location before heading out. 
• Vote like you would on Election Day! 

What do I bring to vote early? 

• Voters will be asked to present a Photo ID when checking in to vote. Acceptable forms of Photo ID include: 
• South Carolina driver's license
• South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles identification card
• South Carolina voter registration card with photo
• Federal military ID
• U.S. passport
• More information about acceptable Photo IDs is available at scVOTES.gov. 

Prep for the polls 

• Get a copy of your sample ballot, voting locations and more election information by visiting scVOTES.gov, or by contacting your county voter registration office.
• Check out our Go-To Guides, FAQs, and explore our Prep for the 2026 Statewide General Election page.
• Stay up to date by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

About the South Carolina State Election Commission

The South Carolina State Election Commission (SEC) is the state’s chief election authority, responsible for ensuring all elections are fair, impartial and accessible to every eligible voter. Working in partnership with county election officials, the SEC oversees voter registration, administers approximately 300 elections each year and provides guidance and resources to support secure and consistent election processes statewide. Guided by its mission to ensure every eligible citizen has the opportunity to participate in elections with confidence that every vote counts, the SEC is committed to transparency, integrity and public trust. Learn more at scVOTES.gov