Questions about membership & benefits? Get quick answers with Ask AARP, our AI-powered assistant.

Content starts here

South Carolina Voter Information: What to Know for the 2026 Election

Make a plan to vote. Find key dates, voting options and official South Carolina election resources.

AARP

Published September 04, 2026

The South Carolina State Capitol Building in Columbia at night

Getty Images

The 2026 statewide general election is Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Whether you plan to vote early, absentee or on Election Day, it helps to prepare. Check your voter registration, know where to vote and make sure you have the identification you need.

For the latest official information, visit SCVotes.gov, the website of the South Carolina State Election Commission. You can use MySCVotes to check your registration, find your polling place and view your sample ballot.

CTA: Check your voter information at SCVotes.gov

More Ways to Benefit

View All

Related Benefit 1
Related Benefit 2
Related Benefit 3
Related Benefit 4
Related Benefit 5

Check your voter registration

Start by making sure your voter registration is current. If you have moved or changed your name, you may need to update your information.

South Carolina requires voters to register at least 30 days before an election. For the Nov. 3, 2026, general election:

In person: Register by 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2.
Online, email or fax: Register by 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4.
By mail: Your application must be postmarked by Monday, Oct. 5.

Online registration requires a South Carolina driver's license or Department of Motor Vehicles ID. If you recently moved, you may first need to update your address with the DMV.

CTA: Check or update your voter registration

Vote early

Any registered South Carolina voter can vote early. You do not need a reason.

For the 2026 statewide general election, early voting runs:

Monday, Oct. 19, through Saturday, Oct. 31

Early voting centers are open 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. They are closed Sunday, Oct. 25.

You can vote at any early voting center in the county where you are registered. Bring an accepted photo ID.

Early voting locations vary by county. Check SCVotes before you go for the most current locations and information.

CTA: Find an early voting location

Vote absentee by mail

Unlike early voting, absentee voting is available only to voters who meet certain requirements.

You may qualify to vote absentee if you:

Are 65 or older.
Have a physical disability.
Have work obligations that prevent you from voting during the entire early voting period and on Election Day.
Are caring for a person who is sick or has a physical disability and cannot vote during those times.
Will be outside your county during the entire early voting period and on Election Day.
Are confined in jail or a pretrial facility while awaiting disposition of an arrest or trial.
Are an eligible member of the U.S. Armed Forces or Merchant Marine, or an eligible spouse or dependent.
Are admitted to a hospital as an emergency patient on Election Day or during the four days before it.

SCVotes has the complete eligibility rules and special instructions for military and overseas voters.

How to request an absentee ballot

Contact your county voter registration and elections office by phone, mail or in person to request an absentee ballot application.

For the Nov. 3 general election, the deadline for the county office to receive your completed absentee application is 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23. Request and return your application as early as possible.

Returning your absentee ballot

Follow all instructions that come with your ballot.

Your signature on the voter's oath must be witnessed by someone age 18 or older. A notary is not required.

Your completed ballot must reach your county voter registration office by 7 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 3. SCVotes recommends mailing a ballot no later than one week before Election Day to help ensure it arrives on time.

If you return your absentee ballot in person, you must present an accepted photo ID.

You can also use MySCVotes to check the status of your absentee ballot.

CTA: Learn more about absentee voting

Vote on Election Day

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026.

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. If you are in line at 7 p.m., you are allowed to vote.

On Election Day, you must vote at your assigned polling place. Your polling place can change, so check your location before you leave home.

CTA: Find your polling place

Know what ID to bring

South Carolina voters are asked to show a current and valid photo ID when voting in person.

Accepted IDs include:

South Carolina driver's license
South Carolina DMV ID card
South Carolina voter registration card with photo
Federal military photo ID
U.S. passport

If you do not have an accepted photo ID, you may still have options to cast a provisional ballot. SCVotes also provides information about obtaining a free photo ID.

Check the state's current photo ID requirements before you vote.

CTA: Review South Carolina's voter ID requirements

See what's on your ballot

Knowing what will appear on your ballot can help you prepare before voting.

MySCVotes allows you to view your personal sample ballot. You can also use the site to:

Check your voter registration.
Update your voter information.
Find your polling place.
Check your absentee ballot.
Check a provisional ballot.
Find your county elections office.

CTA: View your sample ballot

Need more information?

Election dates, locations and requirements can change. For the latest official information about voting in South Carolina, visit SCVotes.gov or contact your county voter registration and elections office.

AARP is nonpartisan. We encourage voters to get the information they need, make a voting plan and participate in elections.

CTA: Visit SCVotes.gov

AARP Membership

Join AARP for only $15 per year with automatic renewal. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of benefits, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP The Magazine.

Join