South Carolina voters don’t have to wait until Election Day to make their voices heard. Early voting for the 2026 statewide general election begins Monday, Oct. 19, giving registered voters nearly two weeks to cast their ballots ahead of the Nov. 3 election.
Whether you’re juggling work, family responsibilities or simply want to avoid Election Day crowds, early voting offers a convenient way to participate in the democratic process. Registered voters can cast their ballots at any designated early voting center within their county without providing a reason for voting early.
When Can You Vote Early?
Early voting centers across South Carolina will operate on the following schedule:
- Dates: Monday, Oct. 19, through Saturday, Oct. 31
- Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday
- Closed: Sunday, Oct. 25
- Election Day: Tuesday, Nov. 3
Unlike Election Day, when voters must report to their assigned precinct, early voters can visit any approved early voting center in their county.
Where Can You Vote?
Voters in Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson and surrounding Upstate counties have designated early voting locations available.
To find a convenient location, visit the South Carolina Election Commission’s early voting website. The site provides a county-by-county list of voting centers, including addresses.
What Do You Need to Bring?
South Carolina requires voters to present an accepted photo ID when voting in person. Acceptable identification includes:
- South Carolina driver’s license or DMV-issued identification card
- South Carolina voter registration card with photo
- Federal military photo ID
- U.S. passport or passport card
- South Carolina concealed weapons permit
Voters who do not have an accepted photo ID can obtain one free from their county voter registration office or the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles.
Those who face a reasonable obstacle to obtaining an ID may qualify to cast a provisional ballot by presenting their non-photo voter registration card and signing an affidavit.
Know Before You Go
Before heading to the polls, voters are encouraged to verify their registration information and review a sample ballot. Knowing which candidates and offices will appear on your ballot can help you prepare before entering the voting booth.
Visit MySCVotes to check your voter information, or view your sample ballot.
For those unable to participate during early voting, Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
With 12 days of early voting available, South Carolinians have multiple opportunities to fit voting into their schedules. Whether you cast your ballot early or on Election Day, take time to learn about the candidates and issues that will shape your community’s future.
For additional election information, visit SCVotes.gov
