Absentee voters wait outside a precinct in Spartanburg County
The countdown is on! Only a few more days until the 2020 election is over, which means you still have time to vote. While this year’s election is slightly different due to COVID-19, your voice still has the same impact.
Here, we put together some helpful information you will need for voting.
What are the steps for absentee voting?
Early voting is running from Oct. 5 through Nov. 2. If you are being extra cautious and are voting absentee, then you will want to keep in mind some deadlines. The South Carolina Election Commission advises to mail your ballot no later than one week prior to election day in order to ensure that your ballot gets received on time. While many may worry about their ballot’s safety, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has agreed to place a high priority on establishing an efficient and secure process for election mail.
For Spartanburg County voters, you can mail your ballot to:
Spartanburg County Board of Voter Registration & Elections
366 North Church Street, Room 1630 (29303)
Post Office Box 1287
Spartanburg, SC 29304
For Greenville County voters, you can mail your ballot to:
Greenville County Board of Voter Registration & Elections
Greenville County Square
301 University Ridge, Suite 1900
Greenville, SC 29601-3668
If you plan to return you absentee ballot in person, you can turn it in by 5 p.m. on the day before the election.
· Spartanburg County voters can go to the Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday through Friday.
· Greenville County voters can go to Greenville County Square from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m on Monday through Friday.
Greenville County Square is also offering extended hours on Oct. 22 (8:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.), Oct. 24 (9 a.m. – 1 p.m), and Oct. 31 (9 a.m. – 1 p.m.)
What if I am planning to vote in person?
If you plan to vote in person, you have the option to vote until election day. Early voting will also be available at the Spartanburg County Board of Voter Registration & Elections location from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday through Friday. In Greenville County, the Greenville County Board of Voter Registration & Elections will be available on Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours. For voting locations in Spartanburg, you can visit the South Carolina Election Commission. Greenville County has also provided a list with locations for election day.
What do I need to bring?
You will be relieved to know that you will not need to bring much.
In order to vote you will need to show a South Carolina photo ID. Acceptable forms of identification can be:
· South Carolina driver's license
· South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles ID Card (includes standard license and REAL ID)
· South Carolina Concealed Weapons Permit
· South Carolina voter registration card with photo
· U.S. military ID (Includes all Department of Defense Photo IDs and Veterans Affairs Benefits Card)
· U.S. Passport (Includes U.S. Passport ID Card)
Regardless of how you plan to vote for the 2020 election, make sure you make your voice count!