Early Voting – S.C. is Breaking Records!
Early voting in South Carolina is breaking records, with 125,900 voters turning out on day one—nearly double the previous high of 70,100 in 2022. This is the first presidential election with no-excuse early voting, making it easier than ever to cast your ballot.
The surge in turnout highlights the growing popularity of early voting, as well as the ease and accessibility of the process under South Carolina’s new voting laws.
This election is the first presidential cycle in South Carolina where voters can take full advantage of no-excuse-needed early voting, thanks to a law passed in May 2022. Previously, voters had to select an approved reason to vote early or absentee. While there was a temporary suspension of these restrictions in 2020 due to the pandemic, the law passed in 2022 has made early voting a permanent and more straightforward option.
The high turnout reflects a growing enthusiasm for early voting, which offers flexibility and convenience to busy voters. Polls are open from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. every day through Saturday, Nov. 2, with one exception: polls will be closed on Sunday, Oct. 27, as required by state law. Voters are not limited to their specific polling precincts for early voting—they can choose from any of the designated early voting locations within their county of registration. Every county has between one and seven locations available, ensuring there are accessible options for voters across the state.
Sara Ballard, SC WIL executive director, expresses hopefulness about the turnout, saying, “SC WIL is thrilled to see voters utilizing the convenience of early voting — and we hope this is a sign that many, many more are planning to vote.”
Make your plan for voting. Pull your sample ballot, find your nearest polling location and vote – early or on election day! Check our voter information and female candidate roster so that you can head to the polls informed and ready. Let’s keep the momentum going and make our voices heard!
Blog published by SC WIL Staff