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September is Voter Education Month

Governor Sanford Recognizes September as Voter Education Month; State Election Commission Encourages South Carolina's 800,000 Eligible Voters to Register by October 2nd

COLUMBIA, S.C. (August 30, 2010) - The South Carolina State Election Commission this week is kicking off a month-long effort to encourage South Carolinians to prepare for the November 2nd General Election by registering to vote or, if already registered, updating their voter registration information by October 2nd.

"Voting is the quintessential American way for citizens to make their voices heard in our system of government," said Marci Andino, executive director of the State Election Commission. "Voter Education Month is a great way to remind voters to make sure they are properly registered, to help them prepare for Election Day, and to reinforce the fact that Every Vote Matters and Every Vote Counts in South Carolina.

Governor Mark Sanford has proclaimed September 2010 as Voter Education Month, a time in which the State Election Commission will seek to educate all South Carolinians about the state's voting process and to reach out to the 800,000 citizens who are eligible to vote but have not yet registered.  Voters are also encouraged to educate themselves about the candidates and to read the constitutional amendment questions prior to Election Day.  Voters should also be sure to update their voter registration address if needed.

In preparation for Election Day, voters should remember to:

  • Register to vote by October 2nd. Register in-person at your county voter registration office or online at scvotes.org. Print an application, complete it, and return it to your county voter registration office. All applications must be postmarked by October 2 in order to participate in the November election
  • Check your voter registration at scvotes.org or call you county voter registration office to make sure all your address is current. If not, submit a change of address form by October 2nd.
  • Bring your voter registration card, driver's license or DMV-issued ID card with you to the polls on Election Day. Polls will be open 7 a.m. - 7 p.m., November 2nd.
  • Stay up to date on important voting information by following "scVOTES" on Facebook (facebook.com/scvotes), Twitter (twitter.com/scvotes), and scVOTES.org

"We want to ensure every eligible citizen has the opportunity to register and participate in fair and impartial elections and, most importantly, has the assurance that their vote will count," Andino said. "As we kick off voter education month in South Carolina, we encourage all eligible voters to make their voice heard and their vote count by taking part in this year's General Election on November 2."

Read the Governor's Proclamation attached to this post.

Attachment Size
2010-08-30 (VE Month).pdf 117.74 KB
2010 Proclamation (black seal).pdf 501.55 KB
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