New Photo ID Requirements - What Voters in November 5th Elections Need to Know

Posted on October 29, 2013

COLUMBIA, SC (October 29, 2013) - Voters need to be aware of new rules for showing Photo ID at the polls in the various local elections being held throughout the state on November 5, 2013. Under the new rules that took effect on January 1, 2013, all voters will be asked to provide one of the following types of Photo ID at their polling place:

S.C. Driver's License
S.C. DMV Identification Card
S.C. Voter Registration Card with a Photo
Federal Military ID
U.S. Passport

Voters who already have one of the IDs above are ready to vote. They need to be sure to bring their ID with them to their polling place.

Voters who forget to bring their ID with them to vote may vote a provisional ballot that will count only if they show their Photo ID to the election commission prior to certification of the election. Most municipal elections are certified on Thursday, but specific certification dates and times will vary by election. Voters casting provisional ballots will be given notice of the specific date and time of the certification hearing.

Voters who don't have a Photo ID can make their voting experience as fast and easy as possible by getting one before voting. Voters can get a free Photo ID from their county voter registration office by providing their name, date of birth, and last four digits of their social security number.

Voters who can't get a Photo ID due to some obstacle need to bring their non-photo voter registration card (old card without photo) with them to the polls. They will be allowed to vote a provisional ballot after signing an affidavit stating they have a reasonable impediment to obtaining Photo ID. The reasonable impediment could be a religious objection to being photographed, a disability or illness, work schedule, lack of transportation, family responsibilities or any other obstacle the voter finds reasonable. This provisional ballot will count unless someone proves to the election commission that the voter was lying on the affidavit.

Click here for more information about S.C.'s Photo ID requirements.

Click here for a list of upcoming elections.

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