SOUTH CAROLINA
Election Day is Tuesday, November 4, 2014
This guide is designed to help protect everyone’s right to vote. Share it, keep it handy, and
take it to the polls on Election Day.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is a nationwide, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization
with more than a million members, supporters and activists dedicated to defending the
principles of liberty and equality embodied in the Constitution and our nation’s civil rights
laws. The ACLU does not endorse or oppose any candidate or party, but we believe that no civil
right is more important in our democracy than the right to vote.
QUICK TIPS FOR VOTERS
Check your voter registration status by calling the South Carolina State
Election Commission at (803) 734-9060. You can also check online at
https://info.scvotes.sc.gov/eng/voterinquiry/VoterInformationRequest.
aspx?PageMode=VoterInfo.
Locate your polling place and note the hours of operation by calling your
county voter registration and elections office. You can find the contact
information here: http://www.scvotes.org/how_to_register_absentee_voting.
Vote early in the day to avoid the last-minute rush.
Bring photo ID. To vote, you have to show one of the following photo IDs. Your
ID cannot be expired.1
a South Carolina driver’s license or non-driver photo ID card issued by the DMV;
a United States passport;
1
a U.S. Military ID with your photo; OR
a South Carolina voter registration card with your photo.
NOTE: if you cannot get one of these IDs in time for the election, you can still
vote. (See details below.)
If you qualify, consider voting by absentee ballot. If you return your absentee
ballot by mail, you do NOT need to show photo ID.2
Check to see if your polling place is accessible (if you have a mobility disability
and need the access).
Read all instructions carefully, and ask for help if you need it.
Take your time. You have up to five minutes in the voting booth to cast your
ballot.3
2014 – IMPORTANT DATES AND DEADLINES
Saturday, May 10
Deadline to register for the primary election4
Friday, June 6
Deadline to request an absentee ballot for
the primary election (application must be
RECEIVED by this date)5
Tuesday, June 10
Primary Election
Saturday, Oct. 4
Deadline to register for the general election6
Friday, Oct. 31
Deadline to request an absentee ballot for
the general election (application must be
RECEIVED by this date)7
Tuesday, Nov. 4
General Election8
2
WHO CAN VOTE
Can I vote in South Carolina?
You can vote in the November 4 election if you’re registered to vote by October 4.9
You can register if you meet all of the following qualifications:
you are a U. S. Citizen;10
you will be at least 18 years old on Election Day;11
you are a resident of South Carolina, your county, and your precinct;12
you are not under a court order declaring you “mentally incompetent”;13
you are not incarcerated for a felony or misdemeanor conviction;14
AND
you are not on probation or parole for a felony or any violation of an election law.15
What if I’m a student?
You can register to vote at whatever address you currently consider your permanent
home.16 This can be your school address OR your home address, but not both.17
What if I have a physical disability?18
You have the right to an accessible voting place.19 It should be easy to get in the door,
to the registration table and to your voting booth.20
You have the right to an accessible voting machine.21 This machine can read the
ballot to you and record your vote privately. Every polling place must have one.22
What if I have a mental disability?
You have the same right to vote as anyone else.
The only exception to this is if a judge, in a court proceeding, has found you
incompetent to vote, then you cannot vote.23
A poll worker cannot decide whether you get to vote.24 Only a judge can do this.25
What if I’ve been convicted of a crime?
If you are incarcerated for a felony or misdemeanor conviction, you cannot vote.26
If you are on parole or probation for a felony conviction or for a violation of an
election law, you cannot vote.27
If you have been charged with a crime but not convicted, you can vote.28
3
If you are in jail awaiting trial or for child support contempt, you can vote.
If you have finished your sentence, you can vote.29
You must re-register to vote after you finish your sentence, parole, or probation,
even if you were registered to vote before you were convicted.30
What if I’m homeless?
You don’t need a home to register, but you do have to identify a place of residence.31
This can be a street corner, a park, a shelter, or any other place where you usually
stay.32 You also have to identify a place where you can receive mail, like a shelter.33
What if I’ve moved?
If you moved to a new county:
If you moved to a new county before October 4, you have to re-register to vote in
that county. If you don’t re-register, you won’t be able to vote in the November 4
election.34
If you moved to a new county after October 4, you have two options
Go to the main office for your new county board of registration on Election Day,
where you can update your address and cast a regular ballot;
OR Go to the polling place for your old address on Election Day, where you can
update your address and cast a failsafe ballot. A failsafe ballot allows you to
vote for federal, statewide, countywide, and municipal-wide elections, but
not for local elections.35 Your failsafe ballot will be counted unless someone
presents convincing evidence that you were not eligible to vote.36
If you moved to a new address in the same county, you can still vote.37
If you moved to a new address in the same precinct, you can vote at the polling
place for your new address. Either update your address with your county board of
registration by October 4 or tell an election official about your new address when
you get to the polls.38
If you moved to a different precinct in the same county, you should update your
address with your county board of registration by October 4. If you don’t update
your address in time, you have two options:
Go to the main office for your county board of registration on Election Day,
where you can update your address and cast a regular ballot;
OR Go to the polling place for your old address on Election Day, where you can
update your address and cast a failsafe ballot.39 A failsafe ballot allows you
4
to vote for federal, statewide, countywide, and municipal-wide elections, but
not for local elections.40 Your failsafe ballot will be counted unless someone
presents convincing evidence that you were not eligible to vote.41
To avoid delays at the polls, try to update your address with your county board of
registration by October 4.
What if I’ve changed my name?
Update your name on your voter registration and on the photo ID you plan to use
when you vote.42 If the name on your voter registration does not match the name on
your photo ID and the poll worker cannot confirm your identity you will have to cast a
provisional ballot.43
How do I know if I’m registered?
Check your registration status online at https://info.scvotes.sc.gov/eng/voterinquiry/
VoterInformationRequest.aspx?PageMode=VoterInfo, or by calling your county board
of voter registration and elections.
REGISTRATION
How do I register?
You can register to vote:
1) in person, by filling out a voter registration form at your county board of
registration;
2) by mail,44 by filling out a mail-in voter registration form and mailing, faxing, or
emailing it to your county board of registration;
3) online, if you have a valid South Carolina driver’s license or identification card
issued by the DMV, by filling out the online registration form at https://info.
scvotes.sc.gov/eng/ovr/start.aspx;45 or
4) when you apply for services at the Department of Motor Vehicles46 and state
agencies that provide public assistance (such as Medicaid, WIC, and food stamps)
or services to people with disabilities.47 You may also be able to register at many
other state and federal offices and agencies.48
You can get mail-in voter registration forms from your local elections office, from
most libraries, colleges and high schools, by calling (803) 734-9060, or online at
http://www.scvotes.org/south_carolina_voter_registration_information.
What’s the registration deadline?
Monday, October 4, 2014. If you are submitting your voter registration form by mail,
it must be POSTMARKED by this date.49 If you are submitting your voter registration
5
form in person, online, by fax, or by email, it must be RECEIVED by the close of
business of your county board of registration on October 4.50
What if I miss the deadline?
You won’t be able to vote in the November 4 election, but you can register to vote in
future elections.51
VOTING EARLY
Can I vote before Election Day?
Maybe. South Carolina does not allow early voting at the polls, but you may qualify
to vote by absentee ballot if you’ll be away on Election Day or you’ll have a problem
getting to the polls. An absentee ballot is a ballot that you cast by mail or by hand
delivery without going to the polls.
Do I qualify for an absentee ballot?
An absentee ballot is a ballot that you cast by mail or by hand delivery without going
to the polls.
If you qualify to vote by absentee ballot and you return your ballot by mail, you do
NOT need to include photo ID.
You can vote by absentee ballot if you won’t be in the county where you’re registered
during voting hours on Election Day for one of the following reasons:
you’re a student (or the spouse or dependent child of a student);52
you’re a member of the Armed Forces, Merchant Marines, Red Cross or USO (or
the spouse or dependent child of any one of these);53
you’re away on vacation;54
OR
you’re a government employee (or a spouse or dependent child of a government
employee).55
You can ALSO vote by absentee ballot even if you’re in the county where you’re
registered during voting hours on Election Day if you meet any of the following
conditions:
you have a physical disability;56
you have to work during voting hours on Election Day, and you can provide written
proof to your county registration board;57
6
you are working on Election Day as a certified poll watcher, poll manager, county
voter registration board member or staff, or county or state election commission
member or staff;58
you are attending a sick or physically disabled person;59
you were admitted to a hospital as an emergency patient on the day of an election
or within four days before the election;60
you had a death or funeral in the family within the three days before the
election;61
you are serving as a juror in a state or federal court on Election Day;62
you are 65 years old or older;63
OR
you are in jail or a pretrial facility waiting for the disposition of an arrest or trial.64
How do I get an absentee ballot?
Request an application for an absentee ballot from your county board of registration
by telephone, by mail, in person, or online at https://info.scvotes.sc.gov/eng/
voterinquiry/VoterInformationRequest.aspx?PageMode=AbsenteeRequest.65 If you
are qualified to vote by absentee ballot, a ballot will be mailed to you.
You can submit your application in person at your county board of registration
anytime before 5 p.m. on November 3.66 If you submit your application by mail, your
application must be received (not postmarked) by your county board of registration
before 5 p.m. on October 31.67
How do I return my absentee ballot?
You can return your absentee ballot in person or by mail.68 If it’s too difficult for
you to return the ballot yourself, you can sign a form authorizing someone else to
return your ballot for you.69 That person cannot be a candidate for election or a paid
member of a campaign staff unless he or she also is a member of your immediate
family.70
If you return your absentee ballot by mail or authorize someone else to return your
ballot for you, you do not need to include photo ID.71
If you return your absentee ballot in person, you must show one of the following
photo IDs. It must be current and valid (not expired).72
a South Carolina driver’s license or non-driver photo ID card issued by the DMV;
a United States passport;
a federal government-issued Military ID with your photo; or
7
a South Carolina voter registration card with your photo.
NOTE: if you cannot get one of these IDs in time for the election, you can still
vote. (See details below.)
To be counted, your absentee ballot must be received (not postmarked) by your
county board of registration no later than 7 p.m. on Election Day.73
VOTING ON ELECTION DAY
When is Election Day?
Tuesday, November 4, 2014.
When are the polls open?
Polling places will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.74 You have the right to vote if you’re
in line or inside your polling place when the polls close.75
Can I get time off from work to vote?
Maybe. The law doesn’t require employers to give their employees paid or unpaid
time off from work to vote, but your employer might have its own policy allowing you
to do so. Ask well before Election Day.
If you can’t get time off from work to vote, you can vote by absentee ballot.76 Apply
for an absentee ballot and send written proof that you have to be at work to your
county board of registrars with your application. Your application must be received
by your county board of registration by 5 p.m. on October 31 if you submit it by mail,
or by 5 p.m. on November 3 if you submit it in person.77
Where do I vote?
On Election Day, you have to vote at your assigned polling place.
Your assigned polling place will be listed on the voter registration notification you
receive in the mail when you register.78
If you don’t have your notification, call your county board of registration or look
up your polling place online at https://info.scvotes.sc.gov/eng/voterinquiry/
VoterInformationRequest.aspx?PageMode=VoterInfo.
What if I am disabled and my polling place is not accessible?
Consider voting by absentee ballot. If you have a physical disability, you are eligible
to vote by absentee ballot, even if you are going to be in your county on Election
Day.79 See above for information on how to apply for an absentee ballot.
8
If you find out in advance that your polling place is not accessible, request a
transfer to an accessible polling place.80 Every county is required to have at least
one accessible polling place.81 If you can’t walk without using a wheelchair, leg
braces, crutches, walker, or respirator, you qualify for a transfer to an accessible
polling place.82 Submit your request in writing to your county board of registration by
October 4.83
You can also send someone into the polling place to request curbside voting on your
behalf. Poll workers will bring a ballot or voting machine outside so you can vote.84
Otherwise, bring someone to assist you.85 You have the right to have anyone you
choose assist you as long as the person is not your employer, an agent of your
employer, or an officer or agent of your labor union.86 Unless you are blind or the
person you choose to assist you is a member of your family, a manager at the
polling place is required to accompany you and the person you choose to assist you
in the voting booth.87
What if I am blind or I have a learning disability and I cannot read the ballot?
You have the right to an accessible voting machine.88 This is like a computer that
reads the ballot to you. It allows you to choose your candidate and cast your vote by
pushing buttons. Every polling place must have at least one of these machines.89
Can I get a ballot in my native language?
No. Election materials in South Carolina are available in English only, but you have
the right to bring a translator with you to the polls or to get assistance in your
language from anyone you choose, including a poll worker.90 This person cannot
be your employer, an agent of your employer, or an officer or agent of your labor
union.91
What if there are long lines?
Tell a poll worker if it is hard for you to stand in long lines because of a physical or
mental health condition or disability.92
Elections officials must help you if they can. For example, if it is hard for you to
stand, they should give you a chair or a place to sit while you wait. If the crowds or
noise are too hard for you, they could find you a quiet place to wait until it is your
turn to vote. Or, they could call you on your cell phone when it is close to your turn,
and you could wait in a place of your choice.93
What if I need help in the voting booth?
If you need help because of a physical disability or because you can’t read the ballot,
tell a poll worker when you get to your polling place. You have the right to vote
privately and independently on an accessible voting machine. You also have the right
to have anyone you choose assist you in the voting booth, including a poll worker.94
That person cannot be your employer, an agent of your employer, or an officer or
agent of your labor union.95
9
You have the right to vote privately and independently on an accessible voting
machine. However, if you bring someone who is not member of your family to assist
you while you’re in the booth, a poll manager is required to join you.96
If you need language assistance, bring an interpreter with you to the polls. You
have a right to bring an interpreter with you to communicate with poll workers and
to translate the ballot.97 If your interpreter is not a member of your family, a poll
manager is required to join you in the booth.98
If you need instructions on how to use the voting equipment, ask a poll worker for
help. Poll workers are required to help you at any time you ask—even after you have
entered the voting booth.
VOTER ID
Do I have to show ID?
Yes. A poll worker must ask you to show a photo ID.
If you do not have an acceptable photo ID because it was too difficult to get one in
time for the election, YOU CAN STILL VOTE.99 Make sure you bring the non-photo
paper voter registration card you received when you registered to vote.100
Tell the poll worker why you could not get an ID in time, and ask to cast a
provisional ballot.101
You will be required to show your non-photo paper voter registration card and
write down the reason you could not get a photo ID in time and submit your
explanation with your ballot.102 You can give any reason, as long as it is true. Poll
workers are not permitted to question your reason or to prevent you from voting
based on the reason that you give.103
Your provisional ballot WILL be counted unless the county board of registration
and elections finds your reason to be false.104
You also will be asked to show ID if you return an absentee ballot in person.105
What are the accepted forms of ID?
The only accepted forms of photo ID are:106
a South Carolina driver’s license or non-driver photo ID card issued by the DMV;
a United States passport;
a federal government-issued Military ID with your photo;
OR
a South Carolina voter registration card with your photo.
10
Your photo ID must be current and valid (not expired).107
The name on your photo ID needs to match the name on your voter registration.108
If it is too difficult for you to get a photo ID, bring your non-photo paper voter
registration card to the polls.109 Tell the poll worker why you weren’t able to get
a photo ID and ask to vote by provisional ballot. After you fill out a form affirming
your identity and describing the reason why you couldn’t get a photo ID, you will be
able to cast a provisional ballot.110 Your provisional ballot will be counted unless the
county board of registration finds your reason to be false.111
If you have a religious objection to being photographed, bring your paper voter
registration card without a photo to the polls. After you fill out a form affirming
your identity and stating that you have a religious objection to being photographed,
you will be able to cast a provisional ballot.112 Your provisional ballot will be counted
unless the county board of registration finds your reason to be false.113
If it is too difficult for you to get a photo ID and you don’t have your paper voter
registration card without your photo, you can still cast a provisional ballot. However,
your ballot won’t be counted unless you obtain an acceptable photo ID and bring it
to the county board of registration before the election is certified. The November 4
election will be certified no later than Saturday, November 8, and could be certified
as early as Thursday, November 6.114
What is a provisional ballot?
A provisional ballot is used to record your vote when there’s an unresolved question
about your eligibility.
What if I don’t have an acceptable photo ID?
Try to get an acceptable photo ID before Election Day. You can get a FREE photo ID
for voting at the DMV. This ID is called a voter registration card.
Request a free voter registration card in person at your county board of registrars.
If you are already registered to vote, you will be asked to provide your name, date of
birth, and social security number.115 If you are not already registered to vote, you will
be asked to register to vote first.
What if getting to the county board of registration is difficult for me?
If you can’t get to the county board of registration, you can cast a provisional
ballot and fill out a form stating why you could not get a free photo ID. Unless
there is evidence that your statement is not true, your vote WILL be counted.116
What if I need accessible transportation to the DMV?
If your county does not have a paratransit service or accessible public
transportation to the DMV, you have the right to ask for the county board of
11
registration to provide you with an alternative way to apply for and get your
voter registration card.117
What if it is too hard for me to get through the application process?
If it is hard because of a physical or mental condition, you have the right
to ask for help from your county board of registration in getting your voter
registration card.118
What if I go to the polls without an ID?
If you have a photo ID but forgot to bring it, go home and get your ID. If you don’t
have time to go home and get your photo ID, you can cast a provisional ballot.119
You will receive a Notice of Provisional Ballot Hearing containing a date for your
Provisional Ballot Hearing. Your ballot will NOT be counted unless you bring an
acceptable photo ID to your county election commission before the date of your
Provisional Ballot Hearing.120
If you don’t have ID and you can’t get ID because of a disability or other obstacle,
bring your paper voter registration card without a photo to the polls.121 Tell the
poll worker why you weren’t able to get a photo ID and ask to vote by provisional
ballot. After you fill out a form affirming your identity and describing the reason
why you couldn’t get a photo ID, you will be able to cast a provisional ballot.122
Your provisional ballot will be counted unless the county board of registration
finds your reason to be false.123
If you don’t have an ID because you have a religious objection to being
photographed, bring your paper voter registration card without a photo to the
polls. After you fill out a form affirming your identity and stating that you have a
religious objection to being photographed, you will be able to cast a provisional
ballot.124 Your provisional ballot will be counted unless the county board of
registration finds your reason to be false.125
PROBLEMS AT THE POLLS
What if I’m not on the voter list?
First, ask a poll worker to check the list again and to confirm that you’re at the right
polling place. Offer to spell your name.
If you’re at the right polling place but your name isn’t on the voter list, ask for a
provisional ballot.126 You have the right to cast a provisional ballot, even if your name
is not on the voter list.127 Your provisional ballot will not be counted if you were
at the wrong polling place, so be sure to vote in the polling place where you are
registered.128
12
What if I go to the wrong polling place?
Go to the right polling place. You can ask a poll worker to help you find the polling
place where you’re registered. You can also call your county board of registrars or
look up your polling place online at https://info.scvotes.sc.gov/eng/voterinquiry/
VoterInformationRequest.aspx?PageMode=VoterInfo.
If you can’t figure out where you’re registered, go the polling place that you think is
the right one and ask for a provisional ballot. You have the right to cast a provisional
ballot even if you’re not sure that you’re at the right polling place.129
What if someone challenges my right to vote?
Ask for a provisional ballot.130 Election officials will rule on the challenge before the
election results become final.131
What if someone tries to intimidate or harass me?
Tell a poll worker right away. If the poll worker is the problem, tell a poll watcher,
call your county board of registration, or call one of the election hotline numbers
listed at the end of this card.
What if I make a mistake on my ballot or the voting machine malfunctions?
Tell a poll worker before you cast your vote. If you make a mistake on a paper ballot,
you have the right to one replacement ballot as long as you catch your mistake
before you cast your ballot.132
How do I make a complaint?
First, ask for a poll manager at your polling place.133 He or she can handle most
routine complaints that arise on Election Day. Candidates, political parties, and
nonprofit groups may also have poll watchers at your polling place who might be
able to assist you. If any of those people ask you who you voted for, or if they can’t
resolve your complaint, call your county board of registrars or the State Election
Commission.
You can also call one of the election hotline numbers listed at the end of this card.
13
MORE INFORMATION
If you need information about the rules for voting, contact the South Carolina State
Election Commission at: (803) 734-9060 or www.scvotes.org. You can also call the
Election Protection hotline at: 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683)
If you feel your right to vote has been denied, contact the ACLU at [email protected].
You can also call the US Department of Justice Voting Rights Section at:
(800) 253-3931
For assistance in Spanish, call 888-VE-Y-VOTA (888-839-8682)
14
1
S.C. Code § 7-13-710(A).
30 S.C. Code § 7-5-120(B).
2
S.C. Code § 7-13-710 (anytime a person “presents
himself to vote,” he is required to show photo ID);
http://www.scvotes.org/south_carolina_voting_
information_page.
31 S.C. Code § 7-5-170(2).
3
S.C. Code § 7-13-760.
4
S.C. Code § 7-5-150 (registration books are closed 30
days before each election).
5
S.C. Code § 7-15-330.
6
S.C. Code § 7-5-150 (registration books are closed 30
days before each election).
32 S.C. Code § 7-1-25 (listing factors in determining
domicile).
33 S.C. Code § 7-5-170(2).
34 S.C. Code § 7-5-440 (no curative provision for voters
who moved counties more than 30 days before
election).
35 S.C. Code § 7-5-440(B).
36 S.C. Code § 7-13-830.
37 S.C. Code §§ 7-5-440(A)-(B).
7 S.C. Code § 7-15-330.
38 S.C. Code § 7-4-440(A).
8 Note: South Carolina does not offer early voting.
39 S.C. Code § 7-5-440(B).
9 S.C. Code § 7-5-150 (registration closes 30 days
40 S.C. Code § 7-5-440(B).
before each election).
41 S.C. Code § 7-13-830.
10 S.C. Code. § 7-5-120.
42 S.C. Code § 7-5-186 (name on registration can be
updated only updated after filing change of name).
11 S.C. Code. § 7-5-120.
12 S.C. Code. § 7-5-120.
43 S.C. Code § 7-13-710(B) (poll workers must check
name on ID against voter registration list); S.C. State
Elec. Comm. Poll Manual at 10 (2013) (if a voter
presents ID and cannot be found on the voter list,
the poll worker is required to call the county board
of registration. If the county board of registration
finds that the voter is registered, the voter will have
to correctly confirm his or her birthday before being
allowed to cast a regular ballot. If the county board
of registration cannot confirm the voter’s identity, or
“if the phone is not available”, the voter must cast a
provisional ballot).
13 S.C. Code. § 7-5-120.
14 S.C. Code. § 7-5-120.
15 S.C. Code. § 7-5-120.
16 S.C. Code § 7-1-25(A). The technical term used in
South Carolina is “domicile.”
17 S.C. Code § 7-1-25(D).
18 S.C. Code § 7-7-990. S.C. requires that each precinct
have at least one accessible polling place. Any
disabled voter may apply for transfer there, and
any voter who uses a he a wheelchair, leg braces,
crutches, a walker, or a respirator may vote there
without applying.
44 S.C. Code § 7-5-155.
45 S.C. Code § 7-5-185.
19 42 U.S.C. § 1973ee-1(a).
46 S.C. Code § 7-5-320.
20 42 U.S.C. § 1973ee-1(a).
47 S.C. Code § 7-5-310(C).
21 42 U.S.C. § 15481(a)(3)(A)-(B).
48 S.C. Code § 7-5-310(B) (listing voter registration
agencies).
22 42 U.S.C. § 15481(a)(3)(A)-(B).
49 http://www.scvotes.org/south_carolina_voter_
registration_information.
23 S.C. Code § 7-5-120.
24 S.C. Code § 7-5-120(B)(1) (disqualification comes only
from being adjudicated as mentally incompetent by “a
court of competent jurisdiction”).
50 S.C. Code §§ 7-5-130, 150.
51 S.C. Code § 7-5-150 (registration closes 30 days
before each election).
25 S.C. Code § 7-5-120(B)(1) (disqualification comes only
from being adjudicated as mentally incompetent by “a
court of competent jurisdiction”).
52 S.C. Code § 7-15-320(A)(1).
53 S.C. Code §§ 7-15-320(A)(2)-(3).
26 S.C. Code § 7-5-120(B)(2).
54 S.C. Code § 7-15-320(A)(5).
27 S.C. Code § 7-5-120(B)(3).
55 S.C. Code § 7-15-320(A)(4).
28 S.C. Code § 7-5-120 (disqualifying only those
56 S.C. Code § 7-15-320(B)(1).
convicted of crimes and serving sentences of
imprisonment, or probation or parole for felonies).
57 S.C. Code § 7-15-320(B)(2).
58 S.C. Code § 7-15-320(B)(3).
29 S.C. Code § 7-5-120(B)(2)-(3). Those convicted of
misdemeanors can vote before completing their
sentences, as long as they are no longer incarcerated.
People convicted of misdemeanors can vote while
on probation or parole. However, people convicted
of felonies cannot vote until they have completed
probation or parole.
59 S.C. Code § 7-15-320(B)(4).
60 S.C. Code § 7-15-320(B)(5).
61 S.C. Code § 7-15-320(B)(6).
62 S.C. Code § 7-15-320(B)(7).
63 S.C. Code § 7-15-320(B)(8).
15
64 S.C. Code § 7-15-320(B)(9).
(D.D.C.2012)
65 S.C. Code § 7-15-330.
101 S.C. Code § 7-13-710(D)(1)(b).
66 S.C. Code § 7-15-330 (anyone who qualifies to vote
absentee may submit an application in person until 5
p.m. the day before the election).
102 S.C. Code § 7-13-710(D)(1)(b).
103 S.C. Code § 7-13-710(D)(1)(b); South Carolina v.
United States, 898 F.Supp.2d 30, 37 - 38 (D.D.C.2012)
(preclearance granted to South Carolina ID law on
condition that reasonableness of impediment not
be questioned; only truthfulness of impediment
permitted to be assessed by board of registration and
elections).
67 S.C. Code § 7-15-330 (absentee ballots can be
requested anytime during the calendar year of the
election, but must be returned by 5 p.m. on the fourth
day before the election.)
68 S.C. Code § 7-15-385.
104 S.C. Code § 7-13-710(D)(2).
69 S.C. Code § 7-15-385.
105 S.C. Code § 7-13-710(A).
70 S.C. Code § 7-15-385.
106 S.C. Code § 7-13-710(A).
71 S.C. Code § 7-13-710 (anytime a person “presents
himself to vote,” he is required to show photo ID);
http://www.scvotes.org/south_carolina_voting_
information_page.
107 S.C. Code § 7-13-710(A).
108 S.C. Code § 7-13-710(B) (poll workers must check
name on ID against voter registration list);
72 http://www.scvotes.org/2009/10/15/absentee_voting.
109 S.C. State Elec. Comm. Poll Workers Manual at 14
(2013) (instructing poll workers to ask to see voter
registration cards for voters who had a “reasonable
impediment” preventing them from bringing ID. This
requirement is not in the statute. Voters without ID
who do not have paper registration cards can still
vote by provisional ballot, but those ballots will not be
counted unless the voter brings acceptable photo ID
to the county board of registration
73 http://www.scvotes.org/2009/10/15/absentee_voting.
74 S.C. Code § 7-13-60
75 S.C. Code § 7-13-850.
76 S.C. Code § 7-15-320(B)(2).
77 S.C. Code § 7-15-330.
78 S.C. Code § 7-5-125 (requiring notification of
registration).
82 S.C. Code § 7-7-990(A)(1).
110 S.C. Code § 7-13-710(D)(1)(b) (the statute describes
this as the voter stating a “reasonable impediment”;
poll workers are instructed to accept any explanation
as a reasonable impediment (“County election
officials must accept any reason asserted by the voter
and may not review the reasonableness of the voter’s
explanation.)
83 S.C. Code § 7-7-990(A)(2).
111 S.C. Code § 7-13-710(D)(2).
84 S.C. Code § 7-13-771.
112 S.C. Code § 7-13-710(D)(1)(a).
85 S.C. Code § 7-13-770(A) (only one person permitted
to assist blind voters, disabled voters, and voters who
are unable to read or write).
113 S.C. Code § 7-13-710(D)(2).
79 S.C. Code § 7-15-320(B)(1).
80 S.C. Code § 7-7-990(A).
81 S.C. Code § 7-7-990(A).
114 S.C. State Elec. Comm. Poll Workers Manual at 14
(2013); S.C. Code §§ § 7-17-20, 220.
86 S.C. Code § 7-13-770(A).
87 S.C. Code § 7-13-770(A) (“family” means “spouse,
father, mother, son, daughter, brother, sister,
grandfather, grandmother, grandson, granddaughter,
aunt, uncle, niece, or nephew”).
115 http://www.sumtercountysc.org/?q=department/
voter-registrationelection-commission/article/photoid-requirements-new-2013 (Sumter County website);
http://www.spartanburgcounty.org/govt/depts/
regelec/ (Spartanburg County website).
88 42 U.S.C. § 15481(a)(3)(A)-(B) (HAVA requirement).
116 S.C. Code § 7-13-710(D)(2).
89 42 U.S.C. § 15481(a)(3)(A)-(B).
117 28 CFR §35.130(b)(7).
90 S.C. Code § 7-13-770(A).
118 28 CFR §35.130(b)(7).
91 S.C. Code § 7-13-770(A).
119 S.C. State Elec. Comm. Poll Workers Manual at 14
(2013).
92 28 CFR §35.130(b)(7).
120 S. C. State Elec. Comm. Poll Workers Manual at 14
(2013).
93 28 CFR §35.130(b)(7).
94 S.C. Code § 7-13-770(A).
121 S.C. State Elec. Comm. Poll Workers Manual at 14
(2013) (instructing poll workers to ask to see voter
registration cards for voters who had a “reasonable
impediment” preventing them from bringing ID. This
requirement is not in the statute. Voters without ID
who do not have paper registration cards can still
vote by provisional ballot, but those ballots will not be
counted unless the voter brings acceptable photo ID
to the county board of registration
95 S.C. Code § 7-13-770(A).
96 S.C. Code § 7-13-770(A).
97 S.C. Code § 7-13-770(A).
98 S.C. Code § 7-13-770(A).
99 S.C. Code § 7-13-710(D)(1)(b).
100 South Carolina v. United States, 898 F.Supp.2d 30, 35
16
122 S.C. Code § 7-13-710(D)(1)(b) (the statute describes
this as the voter stating a “reasonable impediment”;
poll workers are instructed to accept any explanation
as a reasonable impediment (“County election
officials must accept any reason asserted by the voter
and may not review the reasonableness of the voter’s
explanation.)
123 S.C. Code § 7-13-710(D)(2).
124 S.C. Code § 7-13-710(D)(1)(a).
125 S.C. Code § 7-13-710(D)(2).
126 S.C. Code § 7-13-830.
127 S.C. Code § 7-13-830.
128 S.C. Code § 7-13-830.
129 S.C. Code § 7-13-830.
130 S.C. Code § 7-13-830.
131 S.C. Code § 7-13-830 (in S.C., if the challenger does
not appear at the provisional ballot hearing or offer
evidence supporting the challenge in advance of the
hearing, the ballot is automatically counted).
132 S.C. Code § 7-13-790.
133 S.C. Code § 7-13-140.
17