By Jessica Caldwell, Editor
The United States has a complicated history when it comes to suffrage.
Just like in most of the other countries and civilizations that used voting to find out what the people wanted, it was not allowed for all citizens.
The fight for universal suffrage took hundreds of years, but after the Voting Act of 1965, every American should have had the right to vote. However, there were still obstacles many had to overcome to cast a ballot.
Some of these, like working on Election Day while the polls were open or living temporarily outside of your official voting district, are common issues for college students, military personnel, missionaries, and government employees.
Today, there are several options to allow those Americans flexibility when casting their vote.
Every state varies by what they require when it comes to every form of voting. It is always best to check your state’s website for their requirements.
This serves as an overview and does not contain every detail. For more South Carolina specific information, you can visit scvotes.org.
Early voting: What is it?
Early Voting is exactly what it sounds like. Registered voters can cast their ballot before the official Election Day.
Requirements vary by state so if you are registered in another state, check that state’s guidelines for casting a ballot.
South Carolina’s Early Voting Guide
To cast an early ballot in South Carolina it must be done fifteen days before and you must go to a designated early voting center located in your county of residence.
GENERAL ELECTION
Monday, October 21st - Saturday, November 2nd
8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
They will be closed on Sunday, October 27th.
STATEWIDE GENERAL ELECTIONS
Monday, 15 days before election day, through Saturday, three days before election day.
8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Closed Sundays and state holidays.
ALL OTHER ELECTIONS AND PRIMARIES
Monday, 15 days before election day, through Friday, four days before election day.
8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Closed Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays.
RUNOFFS
Wednesday, six days before election day, through Friday, four days before election day.
8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Closed on state holidays
Here's where to vote early in Spartanburg County
Spartanburg County Board of Voter Registration & Elections
366 N Church St #1630 Spartanburg, SC 29303
Woodruff Library
270 E Hayne St. Woodruff, SC 29388
Boiling Springs Library
871 Double Bridge Rd. Boiling Springs, SC 29316
Middle Tyger Library
170 Groce Rd Lyman, SC 29365
Absentee voting
While no long an option for this election, qualified voters can also vote by absentee ballot.
The deadline for requesting an absentee ballot for this election was Oct. 25.
Who can vote absentee?
Persons with employment obligations which prevent them from voting during early voting hours for the duration of the early voting period, and during the hours the polls are open on election day.
Persons attending a sick or physically disabled person which prevents them from voting during early voting hours for the duration of the early voting period, and during the hours the polls are open on election day.
Persons confined to a jail or pretrial facility pending disposition of arrest or trial which prevents them from voting during early voting hours for the duration of the early voting period, and during the hours the polls are open on election day.
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.
Persons with physical disabilities.
Persons sixty-five years of age or older.
Members of the Armed Forces and Merchant Marines of the United States, their spouses, and dependents residing with them
Persons admitted to a hospital as an emergency patient on the day of the election or within a four-day period before the election.
A voter admitted to the hospital as an emergency patient on the day of the election or within four days of the election can have an immediate family member apply for and deliver a ballot to them.
How to vote absentee
Step 1: Get your application
· You can submit your application request as early as January 1 of the election year.
· Call, visit or send your request by U.S. mail to your county voter registration office.
· You must provide your name, date of birth and last four digits of your Social Security.
· You will be mailed an application.
Step 2: Complete, sign and return the application
· Return the application by U.S. mail or personal delivery to your county voter registration office as soon as possible.
· The deadline to return your application is 5:00 p.m. on the 11th day before the election.
Step 3: Receive your absentee ballot in the mail
· Voters who have applied early will be mailed their absentee ballot approximately 30 days before the election.
Step 4: Vote and return the ballot
· Return your ballot to your county voter registration office or an early voting center either by mail or personal delivery.
· You must present photo ID when returning the ballot in person. Acceptable photo IDs include a Driver’s license issued by a state within the United States, another form of identification containing a photograph issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles or its equivalent by a state within the United States, a passport, military identification containing a photograph issued by the federal government, a voter registration card containing a photograph of the voter.
· Place the ballot in the “ballot here-in” envelope and place the “ballot here-in” envelope in the return envelope.
· Be sure to sign the voter’s oath and have your signature witnessed. Anyone age 18 or older can witness your signature. A notary is not necessary.
· Ballots must be received by the county voter registration office by 7:00 p.m. on election day.
· Ballots returned by mail should be mailed no later than one week prior to election day to help ensure timely delivery.
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