CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Early voting is underway in South Carolina for the 2023 municipal elections that include more than 200 races across the Palmetto State.
Several key races in the Charlotte area include mayoral elections in Clover, Fort Mill and Cheraw.
York County residents can cast their ballots early at the York County Government Center. Find the correct polling place based on your voter registration information here.
Wesley Thornton joined just a handful of people in York County Monday to cast their ballots when early voting first opened.
"Oh, it makes me proud to let everybody know that I have voted," Thornton said. "I’m in Fort Mill and I’m very happy with everything that has taken place in Fort Mill and I want it to continue.”
Local races don't draw a large crowd, according to York County Elections Director Alan Helms, but who's on the ballot isn't the only thing keeping people home.
Voters must live where an election is taking place, be registered and have a valid photo ID to cast a ballot.
It's also important to know where to vote, as there are fewer early voting centers and these centers may not be located where ballots are usually cast on election day.
“The best thing to do is give us a call," Helms said. "You can call our office. We can look your voter registration information up and advise you which election you’re eligible for.”
South Carolina early voting runs through Friday, Nov. 3. Election Day in South Carolina is Tuesday, Nov. 7. All early voting locations are open from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. during the week. Early voting locations are closed on Saturday and Sunday.
South Carolina requires all voters to show a valid photo ID when checking in to vote and cast a ballot.
Absentee voting in South Carolina
Qualified voters in South Carolina may request an absentee ballot that can be submitted by mail prior to Election Day. The deadline to request an absentee ballot is 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 27. All absentee ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on Election Day to be counted.
Qualified absentee voters in South Carolina include people with physical disabilities, residents age 65 and older, active military and their families who live with them, people who are hospitalized and people who are unable to vote on Election Day due to work obligations. Click here for more details about absentee voting eligibility in South Carolina.
Voting on Election Day
Polling places will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Election Day. As long as you are in line by 7 p.m., you will be allowed to vote.
Required voter ID
All in-person voters will be required to show one of the following photo IDs:
- South Carolina driver's license
- Department of Motor Vehicles ID card (including concealed weapons permits)
- South Carolina voter registration card with photo
- U.S. passport
- Federal military ID
If you don't have one of these, you can go to your county's elections office to get a South Carolina voter registration card with photo. All registered voters will need to provide their date of birth and the last four digits of their Social Security number. You can even do this on Election Day for a free voter ID card that has your photo.
Voters who are registered but unable to show an ID may cast a provisional ballot after signing an affidavit stating they have a reasonable impediment to getting a photo ID. This ballot will count unless someone proves to their board of voter registration that you are lying about your identity or impediment to getting a photo ID.
Contact Kayland Hagwood at khagwood@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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