How to Vote in South Carolina: 2026 Deadlines, Early Voting & Poll Hours

To vote in the November 3, 2026 general election, register by ≈ October 4, 2026 — 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 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.

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

Details and request forms are at South Carolina's official election site.

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.

Polls are open until 7 p.m. ET on November 3, 2026.

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.