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2026 Elections
How to Vote in South Carolina: 2028 Deadlines, Early Voting & Poll Hours
Everything you need to vote in South Carolina for the November 7, 2028 general election — when to register, when early voting opens, how to vote by mail, and when polls close.
Rules as of September 17, 2026 · verify at South Carolina's official election site
Election Day
November 7, 2028
Quick Answer
- Register By
- 30 days before Election Day
- Early Voting
- Opens ≈ Oct 20, 2026
- Mail Ballot Request By
- 11 days before Election Day at 5 p.m.
- Polls Close
- 7 p.m. ET
- Election Day
- November 7, 2028
Build your South Carolina voting plan
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Nov 7, 2028
What's on Your South Carolina Ballot
Every U.S. House seat is up for election every two years. Whether a U.S. Senate seat is also on the ballot depends on the state.
U.S. House of Representatives
All of South Carolina's U.S. House seats are on the 2028 ballot. View South Carolina's current delegation →
U.S. Senate
On the ballotThe November matchup: Darline Graham (R) vs Annie Andrews (D).
South Carolina Supreme Court
Not this cycleNo South Carolina Supreme Court seat is up in 2028. Local judges may be on your ballot too. How South Carolina chooses its judges →
To see every race you will vote on — including judges and local measures — check your sample ballot from your county or local election office, starting at South Carolina's official election site.
Find your South Carolina representative and senators
Enter your address to see exactly who represents you before you vote.
Voter Registration in South Carolina
To vote in the November 7, 2028 general election, register by 30 days before Election Day.
Dates marked ≈ are computed from state statute and can shift with county practice. Confirm your exact deadline and check your registration status at South Carolina's official site.
Early Voting in South Carolina
Early voting opens ≈ October 20, 2026 — Two weeks before Election Day. It runs through Day before Election Day.
Confirm exact locations and hours — which vary by county — at South Carolina's official election site.
Voting by Mail in South Carolina
South Carolina requires a qualifying excuse to vote by mail. Request deadline: 11 days before Election Day at 5 p.m..
Return rule: Must be received by close of polls on Election Day
Track your ballot: look up your record at South Carolina's voter portal to see when your ballot was mailed, received and accepted.
Details and request forms are at South Carolina's official election site.
Voter ID Requirements in South Carolina
A photo ID is requested, but a voter without one can still cast a ballot that counts without a later trip back — for example by signing an affidavit or having a provisional ballot verified some other way.
NCSL footnote: South Carolina has a photo ID requirement, but it is waived in select circumstances (e.g., a religious objection to being photographed, with an affidavit).
See the full list of accepted ID at South Carolina's official election site.
Poll Hours in South Carolina
Polls are open until 7 p.m. ET on November 7, 2028.
See how South Carolina's closing time compares nationwide on the full poll closing times by state page, or confirm your local hours at South Carolina's official election site.
When South Carolina Certifies Its Results
Election-night totals are unofficial. The count becomes official in two steps:
- Local: County boards of canvassers — by about November 7, 2026. By noon on the Saturday after the election.
- Statewide: State Board of Canvassers — November 12, 2026 on the 2026 calendar. Within 10 days of the election.
Certifying is a required step, not a second vote on the result. What happens if a local board won’t sign off, every state’s deadlines and how a result can be challenged are on how election results are certified.
Live on Congress Countdown
Live countdown to Election Day — and every date in between
Registration deadlines, early voting, and the full 2026 election calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the deadline to register to vote in South Carolina?
30 days before Election Day Confirm the exact date at https://scvotes.gov/voters/register-to-vote/.
Can I vote early in person in South Carolina?
Yes. Early voting opens around October 20, 2026 (Two weeks before Election Day) and runs through Day before Election Day.
Do I need ID to vote in South Carolina?
A photo ID is requested, but a voter without one can still cast a ballot that counts without a later trip back — for example by signing an affidavit or having a provisional ballot verified some other way.
When do polls close in South Carolina?
Polls close 7 p.m. ET on November 7, 2028.
How do I vote by mail in South Carolina?
Request a ballot (an excuse is required) — 11 days before Election Day at 5 p.m.. Must be received by close of polls on Election Day
Is it too late to register to vote in South Carolina?
30 days before Election Day Confirm at https://scvotes.gov/voters/register-to-vote/.
How do I track my mail ballot in South Carolina?
Look up your voter record at South Carolina's voter portal (https://vrems.scvotes.sc.gov/Voter/Login) to see when your ballot was mailed, received and accepted.
Where can I see a sample ballot for South Carolina?
Your county or local election office publishes sample ballots before each election. They list every race you will vote on, including judges and local measures. Start at South Carolina's official election site (https://scvotes.gov/voters/register-to-vote/).