June 9 Primaries to be Held as Scheduled

Qualifying Voters Urged to Vote Absentee

COLUMBIA, SC (April 27, 2020) – The June 9 Statewide Primaries and June 23 Runoffs are set to proceed as scheduled.  The SEC has no authority to delay the primaries or deviate from current law in conducting elections.  Voting options remain unchanged.  Voters should prepare now to exercise their right to vote by choosing the best option for them.

Vote Absentee

• Those who qualify are urged to vote absentee as soon as possible.
• If voting absentee by mail, you should apply now.
• In-person absentee voting at county voter registration offices begins May 4.
• Qualifications include:
  • Being age 65 or older
  • Having a disability (includes illness and injury)
  • Attending a sick or disabled person  
• Click for a full list of absentee qualifications and to get your application.

Vote on Election Day

• Election officials are taking steps to protect the health of voters and poll managers:
  • Poll managers will receive special Covid-19 training on applying social distancing and maintaining sanitary conditions in the polling place.
  • Election officials are working to source:
    • Masks, face shields and gloves for poll managers.
    • Sneeze guards for check-in stations.
    • Sanitizing wipes for cleaning common surfaces.
    • Hand sanitizer for voters and poll managers.
    • Cotton swabs for making selections on the touchscreen.
• Check-in stations and voting equipment will be spaced at least six feet apart.
• Some polling places will be relocated or consolidated due to the pandemic.  Some facilities have declined to be used, and some poll managers have declined to serve. Election officials are working to find new locations and recruit new managers; however, some voters will vote at a different polling place.
• Voters should prepare by:
  • Making sure you are registered to vote, and your address is up to date.
    • Check your registration.
    • Register or update your address.
  • Bringing your Photo ID (or voter registration card if you do not have a Photo ID).
  • Checking your polling place at scVOTES.org before going to the polls.
  • Wearing a protective mask if you have one.
  • Bringing your own pen for signing the poll list.
  • Practicing social distancing by spacing yourself at least six feet apart from others.
  • Being patient.

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