South Carolina: Election Tools, Deadlines, Dates, Rules, and Links

South Carolina absentee ballots

• Absentee ballot application deadlines

  • In Person: 4 days before Election Day, unless the individual is already a registered voter; then 1 day before Election Day
  • By Mail: Received 10 days before Election Day
  • Online: N/A

• Voted absentee ballots are due

  Received by 7pm on Election Day.

• Absentee ballot rules

  For the 2020 general election, all registered voters are allowed to apply for and cast an absentee ballot. For elections after 2020, you may vote by absentee ballot in South Carolina if you will be away from the county of your residence on Election Day AND one of the following:

  • you are a student away at college (or a spouse or dependent residing with the student);
  • you are serving with the American Red Cross or with the United Service Organization (USO) and are attached to and serving with the Armed Forces (or a spouse or dependent residing with such a person);
  • you are a government employee (or a spouse or dependent residing with such a person);
  • you are on vacation;
  • you live overseas.

  You may vote by absentee ballot in South Carolina whether or not you will be away from the county of your residence if:

  • you are physically disabled;
  • your job prevents you from voting;
  • you are a certified poll watcher, poll manager, or county election official and you will be working on Election Day;
  • you are attending to sick or physically disabled persons;
  • you have been admitted to the hospital as an emergency patient on day of election or at least four days prior to Election Day;
  • there has been a death or funeral in your family within three days before Election Day;
  • you are on jury duty in state or federal court on Election Day;
  • you are 65 or older;
  • you are confined to a jail or pre-trial facility pending disposition of arrest or trial;
  • you are a member of the Armed Forces or Merchant Marines (or a spouse or dependent residing with such a person).

• How to get an absentee ballot in South Carolina

  1. Use our Absentee Ballot Tool to prepare your application if your state allows.
  2. Sign and date the form. This is very important!
  3. Return your completed application to your Local Election Office as soon as possible. We'll provide the mailing address or contact information for you.
  4. All Local Election Offices will accept mailed or hand-delivered forms. Your Local Election Official will also let you fax or email the application.
  5. Double-check the deadlines and be sure to cast your voted ballot on time so that it is counted.
  6. Please contact your Local Election Office if you have any further questions about the exact process.

• Once you get your absentee ballot in South Carolina

  1. Once you receive the ballot, carefully read and follow the instructions.
  2. Place your voted ballot in the accompanying "Ballot Herein" envelope, place that in the return envelope provided.
  3. Review and sign the oath printed on the return envelope. Also, please note that another individual must witness your signature and sign the return envelope as well.
  4. Mail your voted ballot back to the address indicated on the return envelope.
  5. Double-check the deadlines and be sure to cast your voted ballot on time to be sure it is counted.