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State Election Guide

South Carolina election dates and voting deadlines for 2026

South Carolina 2026 election dates. Check registration deadlines by method, early voting hours, and absentee eligibility. Official sources included.

Next listed election: November 3, 2026

Check official voting information ↗

See my registration and voting options

Make your plan

Registration and ways to vote

Choose the voting method that works for you. Deadlines depend on that method. Check the time and delivery requirements, not just the date. Military, overseas, and emergency voting may have separate rules.

01

Register

Register online with the required South Carolina credential, or use the paper application. Submission methods have different deadlines. Check your registration and current photo ID requirements before voting.

  • In-person registration deadline

    Register in person by 5 p.m. October 2, unless your county registration office offers weekend hours.

    Official deadline source
  • Online, fax or email registration deadline

    Submit by 11:59 p.m. October 4 using the official registration instructions.

    Official deadline source
  • Mailed registration postmark deadline

    Mailed registration applications must be postmarked by October 5.

    Official deadline source
Check official registration options ↗

Source review: 2026-10-19

02

Vote early

October 19–31, 2026; Monday–Saturday 8:30 a.m.–6 p.m.

  • Early voting begins

    Vote October 19–31, Monday–Saturday, 8:30 a.m.–6 p.m. Early-voting centers are closed Sunday, October 25.

    Official deadline source
  • Early voting ends

    The final early-voting session ends at 6 p.m. Saturday, October 31.

    Official deadline source
Check official dates and locations ↗

Source review: 2026-10-19

03

Vote by mail

Absentee voting requires a qualifying reason, such as age 65 or older or a qualifying disability or absence. Request an application from your county office, return the signed form and follow the ballot’s witness requirements.

  • Absentee application receipt deadline

    Your county must receive the signed application by 5 p.m. October 23. Absentee voting requires a qualifying reason.

    Official deadline source
  • Absentee ballot receipt deadline

    Return your ballot by 7 p.m. November 3. Sign the envelope and obtain the required adult witness signature.

    Official deadline source
Review absentee eligibility and instructions ↗

Source review: 2026-10-19

04

Election Day

November 3, 2026. Poll hours: 7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. Eastern time. Check your official ballot, voting location, and identification requirements before you go.

Find official Election Day information ↗

Source review: 2026-10-19

Date labels compare calendar dates in Eastern time; “Today” does not mean the cutoff time has not passed. Confirm local times with your election office.

Before You Vote

Key voting questions

How can I find my polling location?

Use the South Carolina election office lookup or contact your local election office before Election Day.

South Carolina voter information lookup

Use South Carolina’s voter information resource to review your personal voting information.

  • Check Your Voter Registration Status
  • Check Your Polling Place Location
  • View Your Sample Ballot

Who can vote in primaries in South Carolina?

South Carolina does not register voters by party. Choose one party’s primary; if you voted in that primary, you cannot switch parties for its runoff. Eligible voters who skipped the primary may choose one runoff.

Page generated: October 19, 2026. Generated from structured election data and official source links. Confirm final details with state or local election officials.