South Carolina residents began casting ballots ahead of the November 3, 2026, midterm elections on Monday, October 19. Designated county voting centers are open across the state for in-person voting. The early voting period runs through October 31, providing eligible voters ample opportunity to participate in federal, state, and local contests before official Election Day.
According to the South Carolina Election Commission, early voting centers operate from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Voting centers will remain closed on Sundays, including Sunday, October 25. State election officials strongly advise voters to verify their specific county’s official schedule and designated center locations on scVOTES.gov before visiting. Early voting locations often differ from standard Election Day polling places.
Key Dates and Deadlines
With the early voting window now active, voters should keep several critical dates in mind for the 2026 statewide general election cycle:
- October 4: South Carolina voter registration deadline. Residents who missed this cutoff cannot register to vote in this election cycle.
- October 19: In-person early voting period officially opens across all counties.
- October 23: Deadline to apply for an absentee ballot for the general election.
- October 31: In-person early voting period concludes.
- November 3: Election Day. All absentee ballots must be returned by 7:30 p.m., and polling places remain open for traditional voting.
Photo ID Requirements and Voting Rules
Under South Carolina state law, voters must present an acceptable photo identification document when checking in to vote in person. Acceptable forms of photo ID include a South Carolina driver’s license, a South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) ID card, a South Carolina voter registration card featuring a photo, a concealed weapons permit, a temporary identification certificate, or a valid U.S. passport.
Voters who forget to bring an acceptable photo ID to the polling place may cast a provisional ballot. That ballot will only be counted if the voter presents an acceptable photo ID to their county elections office before the certification of the election on the Friday following the statewide general election. Residents who cannot obtain a photo ID may bring their non-photo voter registration card and cast a provisional ballot after signing an affidavit stating they experienced a reasonable impediment to obtaining a photo ID.
What Is on the Ballot
Voters across South Carolina will decide several prominent statewide and federal races during the November midterms, including contests for Governor and Lieutenant Governor, U.S. Senate seats, and positions within the U.S. House of Representatives. Residents can review a customized sample ballot in advance by visiting scVOTES.gov or checking with their local county voter registration and elections office to plan their choices before arriving at the polls.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does early voting end in South Carolina?
Early voting for the November 3 midterm elections ends on Saturday, October 31.
What are the daily operating hours for early voting centers?
Early voting centers are open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Centers are closed on Sundays.
Do I need an excuse to vote early in South Carolina?
No excuse is required to vote early. Any registered voter can visit an early voting center in their county during the active period.
What identification do I need to bring?
You must present an official photo ID, such as an SC driver’s license, SC DMV ID card, photo voter registration card, or U.S. passport.
Can I register to vote now if I haven’t already?
No. South Carolina’s voter registration deadline for this election was October 4.
