Your Pandemic Voting Guide

“The most consequential election in recent memory.” If you watched either the Democratic or Republican conventions, or turned on cable news in the past year, you’ve probably heard this phrase hundreds of times. We’ll let historians debate which election is most consequential. But what isn’t up for debate is that the 2020 U.S. General Election will feature some of the most unique voting regulations in American history. The stakes are too high to not make your voice heard and South Carolina, like many states, has changed the voting rules to ensure all voters are able to cast their ballots however they feel most comfortable. Here’s what you need to know ahead of the election:

SC Voter Information
The best resource for voters is scvotes.gov. On this website you can register to vote, check your voter registration, find your polling place, request an absentee application, check your provisional ballot, and even get a sample ballot to check your voting options. Have a question that isn’t answered below? Go to scvotes.gov and you’ll find your answer. 

Voter Registration Deadlines
Whether you’re planning on voting in-person or absentee, the first step you need to take is to make sure you’re registered to vote. The deadline to register in-person is Oct. 2 at 5 p.m. The deadline to register online is Oct. 4 at 11:59 p.m. Mail-in voter registration must be postmarked by Oct. 5.

In-Person Voting
One thing that the pandemic hasn’t changed is in-person voting hours. Polls will be open on Nov. 3 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Don’t forget to bring your mask. We encourage you to check your polling location because it might be different from the last time you voted. You can confirm your voting location at scvotes.gov. 

Absentee Voting
The S.C. General Assembly passed, and Gov. Henry McMaster signed into law, “no excuse absentee” legislation, expanding absentee voting in South Carolina. This will now allow all South Carolina voters to cast an absentee ballot without having to provide a reason. You can find the absentee ballot application and more information on absentee voting, including whether or not a witness signature is required, at scvotes.gov.

Your Ballot
While President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden headline this year’s general election, there are numerous important races that require your attention. Myrtle Beach area voters will be going to the polls to vote for:
•    President of the United States
•    U.S. Senator
•    U.S. House of Representatives (S.C. District 7)
•    S.C. State Senate (entire Senate)
•    S.C. State House of Representatives (entire House)
•    Several county races

Want more information?
The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with Grand Strand Young Professionals, recently hosted the webinar “How Does My Vote Count?” with Horry County Elections Director Sandy Martin. A recording of the webinar can be viewed on the GSYP Facebook page. 

For more information visit scvotes.gov.