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Persons voting absentee by mail must have their signature on the ballot return envelope witnessed. The witness must also sign the return ballot envelope.
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COVID-19 info

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in South Carolina, South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control

South Carolina absentee ballot deadlines

Request deadlines

  • In Person: 5pm on the 11th day before Election Day.
  • By Mail: Received by 5:00pm 4 days prior to the election. However, the state strongly recommends that voters' applications are received two weeks before Election Day to provide time for receiving and returning ballots by mail.
  • Online: N/A

Ballot deadlines

  • Voted ballots are due: Received by 7pm on Election Day.

South Carolina absentee ballot rules

You may vote by absentee ballot in South Carolina if:

  • You have employment obligations which prevent you from voting during early voting hours for the duration of the early voting period, and during the hours the polls are open on Election Day.
  • You are attending a sick or physically disabled person which prevents you from voting during early voting hours for the duration of the early voting period, and during the hours the polls are open on Election Day.
  • You are confined to a jail or pretrial facility pending disposition of arrest or trial which prevents you from voting during early voting hours for the duration of the early voting period, and during the hours the polls are open on Election Day.
  • You will be absent from your county of residence during early voting hours for the duration of the early voting period, and during the hours the polls are open onElection Day.
  • You have a physical disability.
  • You are sixty-five years of age or older.
  • You are a Member of the Armed Forces or the Merchant Marines of the United States, or a spouse or dependent residing with them.
  • You are admitted to a hospital as an emergency patient on the day of the election or within a four-day period before the election.

South Carolina absentee ballot directions

  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.

Tracking your ballot

You can track your ballot directly with your state.

Once you receive your ballot...

  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.

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