2024 Statewide General Election: Key Dates to Know

The State Election Commission has provided information to help voters get ready for the 2024 Statewide General Election on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.

Key Registration Dates & Deadlines to Know: 

  • The deadline to register in person is Monday, October 14. (Most offices will close at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, October 14 for in-office registrations.  Check locally for specific hours.)
  • The deadline to register to vote online or by fax or email is Monday, October 14. (Requires SC Driver’s License or DMV ID Card).
  • The deadline to register to vote by mail is Monday, October 14 (must be postmarked by this date).
  • The deadline to register by fax or b email attachment is Monday, October 14 (must be received before midnight on Monday, October 14).

There are several ways to register and it takes just a few minutes.

Already registered? Make sure it’s up to date.

  • If you have moved from one county to another, you must register in your new county by the deadline to be eligible to vote.

There are three easy ways to cast your ballot. Choose one!

  • Vote Early
    • The early voting period starts on Monday, October 21 and ends Saturday, November 2. Early voting centers are open from 8:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.
  • Vote Absentee 
    • The deadline to apply for an absentee ballot is 5:00 p.m., Friday, October 25.
  • Vote on Election Day
    • Polling places are open on Election Day from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Stay Prepped for the Polls

Helpful Resources

The Commission's Role

Per  SECTION 1-31-40 of the Commission's statute, the Commission will "provide the minority community with assistance and information on Voting Rights Act submissions in the State, as well as other related areas of concern to the minority community;" The Voting Rights Act of 1965, signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson, aimed to overcome legal barriers at the state and local levels that prevented African Americans from exercising their right to vote as guaranteed under the 15th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Voting Machines

The paper-based ExpressVote Universal Voting System uses touch-screen technology that produces a paper record for tabulation. As a marker, the ExpressVote handles the entire marking process, eliminating marginal marks and the need for interpretation of the voter’s mark. This video explains how to use the machine.

EAC Certified electronic voting machine

Source: Election Systems and Software