Voting & COVID-19

Voting & COVID-19

We’re approaching the most important election of our lifetimes and it’s all hands on deck.

Voting should never be a confusing process, but with the spread COVID-19, we know that many South Carolinians still have questions about how to vote in the November 3rd General Election. SC Equality has compiled information to help ensure you can request your absentee ballot to safely vote in November. We are urging you to request an absentee ballot application TODAY! Your county elections office will begin mailing out absentee ballots on October 5th and with the U.S. Postal Service slowing mail delivery today is the time to get your application completed and returned.

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Vote Safely in November

UPDATE:  The South Carolina Senate approved a measure on Tuesday, September 3, 2020 for ANYONE who wishes to vote absentee for the upcoming November election can do so because of the State of Emergency in South Carolina because of COVID-19. This means you will not have to meet one of the previous reasons for voting absentee. The South Carolina House of Representatives will return to Columbia on September 15th and SC Equality is working, along with other political groups, at the Statehouse putting pressure on legislators to pass this important law in order for registered voters to vote safely in November.

October 5th – November 2nd. – Voters who qualify to vote absentee can go to your local county elections office starting October 5th and until November 2nd and vote absentee in-person using a voting machine that is set up for your prescient & voter style.

What you need to do NOW!

Are you registered to vote?

If you are not registered to vote you can complete an Online Voter Registration NOW by clicking the link below.

Online Voter Registration

Check your voter registration status.

Take just a moment and Check Your Voter Registration Status NOW!
In coming weeks this link will also show you your sample ballot.

Check Your Voter Registration

Update your registration.

It is IMPORTANT that your information is correct on your voter information file. Moved since you last voted? If so, you must update your information NOW!

Update Voter Registration

Request an absentee ballot

UPDATE:  The South Carolina Senate approved a measure on Tuesday, September 3, 2020 for ANYONE who wishes to vote absentee for the upcoming November election can do so because of the State of Emergency in South Carolina because of COVID-19. This means you will not have to meet one of the previous reasons for voting absentee. The South Carolina House of Representatives will return to Columbia on September 15th and SC Equality is working, along with other political groups, at the Statehouse putting pressure on legislators to pass this important law in order for registered voters to vote safely in November.

Many South Carolina lawmakers and the South Carolina Election Commission say time is winding down to make COVID-19 related changes for the November election. South Carolina voters will have to go to the polls to vote in person, unless they’re a qualified absentee voter. But COVID-19 has the election commission and many lawmakers hoping that will change between now and November 3rd. In the meantime, look over the list of reasons you can vote absentee in November and see if any of them apply to you.

Request an Absentee Ballot

Vote Absentee In-Person

Beginning September 28, 2020

County offices will be open for in-person absentee voting beginning on September 28 for the 2020 General Election. You may vote absentee in person up until 5:00 p.m. on the day before the election. Rules for photo ID required to vote at the polling place apply. Additional in-person absentee locations are available in some counties for some elections.

Step 1: Visit your county voter registration office.

Step 2: Complete an application.

Step 3. Cast your ballot. 

Find Your County Voter Registration Office

2020 LGBTQ VOTERS GUIDE

Since 2012, we’ve compiled candidate research and endorsements to help you cast an informed vote. LGBTQ South Carolinians make up a substantial voting block and our voice matters in elections.

Endorsed Candidates

2020 LGBTQ VOTERS GUIDE

Since 2012, we’ve compiled candidate research and endorsements to help you cast an informed vote. LGBTQ South Carolinians make up a substantial voting block and our voice matters in elections.

Endorsed Candidates

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