As you surely know by now, the upcoming election is Tuesday, November 3rd. With so many of our rights at stake in this year's election, voting is more critical than ever. We've done our best to roundup some important voting information in the hopes that this helps you create your voting plan!
Check Your Polling Location: Click here to check your polling location if you're planning to vote in-person on November 3rd. Several polling locations have changed due to COVID so make sure you know where to go: https://www.scvotes.gov/
Voting by Mail (Absentee): Every SC registered voter is allowed to vote absentee in this election (COVID precautions are a valid reason).
- Request a mail-in ballot here.
- Absentee ballot applications must be received by the voter registration office by 5:00 p.m., Saturday, October 24.
- We recommend returning your application at least two weeks before election day to provide ample time to receive and return your official ballot by mail.
- As of right now, witness signatures are NOT required for your mail-in ballot to count.
- Once you've mailed your ballot back, you can find out how to track it here.
Early In-Person Voting: Alternatively, registered Charleston County voters can vote in-person before election day at any of the four locations below. This is a great alternative if you still want to vote on a machine but don't want to worry about lines on Election Day.
- Charleston Coliseum Convention Center (10/5-11/2)
- Seacoast West Ashley (10/19-11/2)
- Seacoast Mt Pleasant (10/19-11/2)
- Main Library downtown (10/19-11/2)
All four locations will be open Monday-Friday 8:30 am to 5 pm, and Saturdays 10/24 and 10/31 from 9 am to 1 pm. Additional details can be found here.
View a Sample Ballot: In Charleston, this election not only includes the Presidential and Senate races, but candidates for School Board, Sheriff, and more, as well three initiatives that you'll have to vote "yes" or "no" on. Download your sample ballot ahead of time so you know where candidates stand and which way you plan to vote -- this saves you time at the polling place and helps cut down on lines and wait times for other voters! Click here to find your sample ballot.
Not in Charleston County or want more info on absentee voting by mail, polling location hours, and more? Check out this super helpful 2020 South Carolina Voter guide by League of Women Voters.
Be a Poll Manager: Scratch that civic itch. Be a poll manager! This year they're paying an extra hundred dollars (in addition to the normal $165 = $265). That pay is for several hours of training beforehand and a ~13 hour workday on 11/3. They have a lot of good preventive measures in place but some close contact with others is likely. Learn more and apply here.
Access & Share Voting Resources: Go to https://www.vote411.org/ to learn more about candidates and races on your ballot. This is a great resource with voting information for every single state, so feel free to share with friends and family who are not Charleston voters!
Special thanks to our civic-minded friends Kyle Hutmaker and Lindsay Squeglia for helping to pull this list together. Have something to add? Let us know!
