News From South Carolina

Voter registration deadline for November General Election nears

South Carolina Public Radio | By Luis-Alfredo Garcia

Published October 1, 2026 at 10:05 AM EDT

A sign tells voters — A sign tells early voters where they can cast a ballot at the Lexington County Voter Registration Office. Voters also had a drive-by option.

South Carolinians who would like to cast a ballot in the Nov. 3 General Election have until Monday at the latest to submit registration forms.

Voters can choose among candidates for statewide offices like governor and senator — or for local state representative and county council races — in the upcoming election.

Registration deadlines are:

Oct. 2 for in-person voter registration at county voter registration offices
Oct. 4 for online, faxed or emailed forms
Oct. 5 for mailed-in forms, which must be postmarked by Monday

Early voting will open Monday, Oct. 19 and close Saturday, Oct. 31. Early voting centers will be open each day from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m,. except for when centers are closed all-day Sunday, Oct. 25.

Any absentee ballots received must be returned to the South Carolina Election Commission by 7 p.m. Nov. 3, or the day of the General Election. A Photo ID is required to cast a ballot.