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Polls open for Election Day 2024 in South Carolina: What you need to know

If you're heading out to vote, here's a list of reminders of what to do -- and not do -- at the polls.

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Election Day 2024 has finally arrived, and for those registered voters who chose not to vote early, it's now time to exercise your right to vote in the general election for the Presidential race as well as state lawmakers and dozens of local races.

We'll have live, real-time election results online beginning at 7 p.m. That's when News19's Election Special will start on the WLTX+ TV app for updates and analysis on South Carolina races. If you don't already have WLTX+, it's available for download on Roku, Fire TV, and Apple TV. The app is free.

Here are some things to remember before heading out to cast your ballot.

What time is voting Tuesday in South Carolina? 

Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. If you are in line to vote at 7 p.m., the precinct will stay open until the last person in line has voted.

How do I find where to vote in South Carolina? 

Before you head out, DO verify the address of your voting precinct as it may have changed. That information is available on SCVotes.gov. Once you go to this polling place link, you'll need to put in the following information:

  • Your County
  • First Name
  • Last Name
  • Date of Birth 
  • Last 4 Digits of Social Security Number 

You can also get a sample ballot by clicking here, which will allow you to see which races you'll be voting on. 

What do I need to bring to the polls?

DO remember to bring a valid photo ID with you to your precinct. A valid photo ID would include:

  • SC Driver's license -- standard or Real ID version
  • SC Department of Motor Vehicles ID card -- standard of Real ID, or SC Concealed Weapons Permit
  • SC Voter Registration Card with photo
  • Federal Military ID -- includes all Department of Defense photo IDs and Veterans Affairs Benefits Card
  • US Passport or Passport ID card

If you forget your Photo ID, you may vote a provisional ballot that will count ONLY IF you show your Photo ID to the county voter registration and elections office before the election is certified in that county -- usually before Thursday, November 7. Local county voter registration and election offices include:

  • Richland County, 2020 Hampton St., Columbia
  • Lexington County, 605 West Main St., Lexington
  • Fairfield County, 315 South Congress St., Winnsboro
  • Kershaw County, 1117-B Broad St., Camden
  • Newberry County, 1872 Wilson Rd., Newberry
  • Orangeburg County, 1475 Amelia St., Orangeburg
  • Sumter County, 129 East Liberty St., Sumter

If you have moved but failed to update your address before election day, failsafe voting allows you to update your address on election day and vote – in the following circumstances:

  • You moved from one address to another within the same precinct – you may vote a full ballot at the precinct after completing a change of address form
  • You moved from one precinct to another within the same county – you have two options:
    • Go to your previous polling place and vote for a limited failsafe ballot containing only federal, statewide and countywide offices. Your updated information will be included on the failsafe ballot envelope
    • Go to the county voter registration office, complete the change of address form, and vote a full ballot
  • You moved from one South Carolina county to another within 30 days of the election – again, you have two options:
    • Go to your polling place in your previous county of residence and vote a limited failsafe ballot containing only federal, statewide and countywide offices. Your updated information will be included on the failsafe ballot envelope.
    • Go to the voter registration office in your current county, complete the change of address form, and vote a full ballot.
  • If you moved from one state to another after the deadline to register to vote in a Presidential election in your new state of residence, you can vote only in the Presidential election via absentee ballot obtained from the state and county from which you moved.

Before you even go outside of your home, make sure you are not wearing or carrying anything with any political messaging -- no hats, no t-shirts, buttons, badges, ties, dresses, signs, campaign materials etc. It is against the law in South Carolina to display any kind of campaign material within 500 feet of an entrance to a polling place.

How Do I Get a Ride to the Polls? 

If you need a ride to your precinct, The Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (The COMET) fixed route buses and DART services will be free for those voting on Tuesday, November 5. Plan your trip by using the Transit App or call 803-255-7100. For older adults and those with disabilities may call DART at 803-255-7123 and specify that you need a ride to your polling place to vote. Build in time for the bus as you may need to change buses, depending on your route.

Uber is also offering discounted rides to polling places. Riders can get 50% off (up to $10) when using the "Go Vote" tile when booking a ride, beginning at 4 a.m. Once you're done and are craving a bite to eat, Uber Eats is offering 25% off orders (up to $15, with a $25 minimum order), beginning at 6 p.m.

Voters with disabilities can choose anyone to assist you when casting your ballot EXCEPT an employer, agent of your employer, or an officer or agent of your union.

Curbside voting is available for voters who are unable to access the polling place or stand in line to vote due to a disability. Poll managers monitor the curbside voting area at a minimum of 15-minute intervals and will bring the qualified voter a portable polling station.

Check your Ballot 

DO review your ballot before you finish the voting process. Make sure the ballot records your vote correctly before you OK or approve the ballot. Once you approve your ballot, and it is printed out to be recorded, it is too late to change your vote. 

Before You Leave, Check This Out