Charleston County election officials plan to hold early voting a week later

CHARLESTON CO., SC (WCBD) – Mark your calendars as there are important dates leading up to the November 2024 election, starting October 14th^Ththe last day South Carolinians could register to vote.

“The best thing to do is go to SC Votes and complete online voter registration. So if you have your driver's license and it's up to date, just go to SC Votes, enter your Social Security number along with your driver's license number and you'll be registered,” said Isaac Cramer, the executive director of the Charleston County Board of Elections.

Voters must complete the online form by 11:59 p.m. or in person before close of business. Mail-in registrations will also be accepted provided they are postmarked by the Monday deadline date.

Once registered, voters can plan to cast their ballot in person as early as next Monday, October 21st^st.

“This is a great opportunity to exercise your right to vote and I firmly believe that early voting will be a fantastic experience for our voters. We have sufficient staff and resources at every location,” said Cramer.

Early voting will take place Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. starting October 21st^st and lasts until November 2nd^nd.

Early voting gives registered voters in Charleston County the opportunity to choose between seven different locations instead of having to report to their designated polling place on Election Day.

“It's a great option for voters and you're not just pressed for the 12 hours on polling day when queues tend to be longer. Early voting typically allows lines to clear within a two-week early voting period, rather than just 12 hours on Election Day,” said John Michael Catalano, the public information officer for the South Carolina Election Commission.

According to Cramer, voters do not have to provide a specific reason for early voting, just have a photo ID ready.

This year is the first presidential election since early voting laws were changed in 2022, so officials expect many new elections.

“Before, you had to have an apology, you had to sign a form, it was a very slow process. Now it's like election day. “You show up with your photo ID and you will be allowed to vote immediately,” Cramer added.

Early voting in Charleston County will take place at the following locations.

1. Downtown Charleston – Main Library

68 Calhoun St. Charleston, SC 29401

2. Hollywood – St. Paul's Hollywood Library

5130 SC-165 Hollywood, SC 29449

3. James Island – Baxter Patrick Library

1858 S Grimball Rd. Charleston, SC 29412

4. Johns Island – St. John's Episcopal Church

3673 Maybank Hwy. Johns Island, SC 29455

5. North Charleston – Headquarters of the Charleston County Board of Voter Registration and Elections

4340 Corporate Rd. N. Charleston, SC 29405

6. Mount Pleasant – Seacoast Church

750 Long Point Rd. Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

7. West Ashley – Essex Village Church of Christ

736 Savage Rd. Charleston, SC 29414

Cramer said anyone who wants to vote by mail must request an absentee ballot by phone or in person. The deadline for requesting a postal vote is October 25th^Th at 5 p.m.

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