Student Voter Registration
The first step when it comes to voting is determining your voter registration address. Students in South Carolina can register to vote where they reside while attending college (e.g. school dormitory) or at an address in South Carolina that you intend to return to while not in the college community (e.g. family home) – it’s up to you. Just remember that while you can choose to register at either address, you can only choose one.
For more guidance in determining what residence to claim for voter registration purposes, see S.C. Code of Laws Section 7-1-25.
Once you determine your voter registration address, be sure to register at least 30 days prior to the election in which you wish to vote. Registering is easy and only takes a few minutes.
If you do not plan on updating your registration to an address in South Carolina, visit the United States Election Assistance Commission at eac.gov for information specific to your home state.
How to Vote
- Voting Early
- Voters can visit any early voting center in the county of their college address during the early voting period, present their Photo ID, and vote using the voting system like they would at their polling place on Election Day. Learn more about Early Voting.
- Voting on Election Day
- Voters can visit their polling location in the county of their college address on Election Day, present their Photo ID, and vote using the voting system. Find your polling place.
- Voting Absentee
- Voting Early or on Election Day is likely the easiest option if you have registered at your college address but you may still qualify for Absentee Voting. See qualifications and learn more about Absentee Voting.
- Voting Early
- Voters can visit any early voting center in the county of their original home or other address during the early voting period, present their Photo ID, and vote using the voting system like they would at their polling place on Election Day. Learn more about Early Voting.
- Voting on Election Day
- Voters have the option to return to their polling location at the county of their original home address, present their Photo ID, and vote using the voting system from 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Election Day. Find your polling place.
- Voting Absentee
- Absentee may be your best option if you attend school far from your original home address. Persons who will be absent from their county of residence during early voting hours for the duration of the early voting period, and during the hours the polls are open on Election Day qualify to vote absentee. See qualifications and learn more about Absentee Voting.
Election rules and procedures vary by state. If you do not plan on updating your registration to an address in South Carolina, visit the United States Election Assistance Commission at eac.gov for information specific to the state in which you are registered.
College IDs and Voting
If registering to vote by mail or in person, you will be asked to provide a copy of a current, valid Photo ID. This could be your college ID or any other current, valid Photo ID. You can also use a utility bill, bank statement, paycheck or government document showing your name and address in your county.
Learn more about Photo ID requirements.
No, when voting in person, you will be asked to show one of the following current and valid Photo IDs:
- SC Driver’s License
- Includes standard license and REAL ID
- SC Department of Motor Vehicles ID Card
- Includes standard ID card and REAL ID
- Includes SC Concealed Weapons Permit
- SC Voter Registration Card with Photo
- Federal Military ID
- Includes all Department of Defense Photo IDs and Veterans Affairs Benefits Card
- US Passport
- Includes US Passport ID Card
Learn more about Photo ID requirements.