Voting Information

Everything You Need to Know to Vote in the 2028 South Carolina Primary

Key Dates – South Carolina 2026

  • Voter Registration Deadline
    This is the last day you can register to vote in the South Carolina Primary Election.
  • Early Voting Window
    First business day after Presidents Day through the Friday before Election Day.
  • Tuesday, March 3, 2026
    Election Day
    Polls typically open 7:00 AM–7:00 PM local time. If you’re in line by closing, you can vote.

Register to Vote


South Carolina requires a voter registration. You can:

  • Fill out the online voter registration.
  • Request a postage-paid application from the SC Secretary of State.
  • Pick up and submit a registration at your County Voter Registrar or many public libraries.
  • Update your address within the same county online (if eligible) via the state portal
Register To Vote
Check Registration

Early Voting

  • Bring an acceptable photo ID (see Voter ID section below).
  • You may vote at any early voting location in your county.
  • Lines are often shorter; hours vary by county and day.

Vote by Mail (Absentee)

South Carolina limits eligibility. You may qualify if you:

  • Are 65 or older by Election Day
  • Have a disability or illness
  • Expect to be out of your county for the entire Early Voting period and on Election Day
  • Are confined in jail but otherwise eligible

How to apply:

  1. Complete the Application for a Ballot by Mail (ABBM). Include ID info that matches your voter file (SC DL/ID, Election ID Certificate, or last 4 of SSN).
  2. Return your ABBM to your County Early Voting Clerk. It must be received by the deadline.
  3. Once your ballot arrives, follow all instructions carefully. Sign everywhere required and seal properly.

Voter ID Requirements

  • SC Driver’s License
    • Includes standard license and REAL ID
  • SC Department of Motor Vehicles ID Card
    • Includes standard ID card and REAL ID
    • Includes SC Concealed Weapons Permit
  • SC Voter Registration Card with Photo
  • Federal Military ID
    • Includes all Department of Defense Photo IDs and Veterans Affairs Benefits Card
  • US Passport
    • Includes US Passport ID Card

Official Resources

Who Can Vote in the South Carolina Primary

  • Be a U.S. citizen and a resident of the county where you register.
  • Be at least 18 years old on Election Day.
  • Not be a convicted felon (unless your sentence is fully completed, including parole and probation).
  • Not be declared mentally incapacitated to vote by a court.
  • South Carolina has open primaries: choose either the Republican or Democratic primary on election day (but only one). Your choice binds you for any subsequent runoff.

SC District 7

District 7

Election Day

  • Poll Hours: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (local). If you’re in line by 5:00 PM, you can vote.
  • Some counties allow countywide vote centers; others require you to vote at your assigned precinct. Check your polling place in advance.
  • Bring acceptable ID and your sample ballot if you have one.
Find A Voting Place

Whats On The Ballots

  • Party primaries for U.S. Senate and U.S. House seats in SC districts
  • SC statewide offices as applicable in 2026 cycle
  • SC Legislature seats (State Senate/House) up for election
  • County and local partisan offices where applicable

Students, Military, and Overseas Voters

  • Students may register at their campus address or home address (one active registration at a time).
  • Military and overseas voters use the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) to register and request a ballot.
  • Return options and deadlines differ; use official guidance below.

Accessibility & Language Assistance

  • All polling places must be accessible. Curbside voting is available for eligible voters.
  • Assistance marking your ballot is allowed; you may bring someone (with limits) or ask poll workers.
  • Language assistance and translated materials may be available depending on your county.

FAQ

Can I vote for Branden Brown even if I don’t live in SC?
Only residents of SC Congressional District 7 can vote in the primary. However, you can support his campaign through donations. Donate here:

Can I vote for Branden Brown even if I’m a registered Democrat?
Yes. SC has open primaries, so you can choose to vote in either the Republican or Democratic primary regardless of your previous voting history or party affiliation.

Can I vote in both primaries?
No. You must choose one party’s primary. If there’s a runoff, you must vote in the same party’s runoff.

What if I moved?
Update your registration. If you moved within the same county, update your address; across counties, submit a new registration.

What if my ID doesn’t match exactly?
Small name differences can be acceptable; bring supporting documents. If you lack ID, ask about the reasonable impediment process.