South Carolina’s primary election is scheduled for June 14th; however, citizens can start fulfilling one of their civic duties by voting early today! Early voting is open on weekdays from Tuesday May 31st to Friday June 10th from 8:30am to 5pm. Early voting will take place at county election offices located across the state.

Early voting has never been a set-in stone practice for the state of South Carolina, but there is bipartisan support in the hope that allowing early voting, while restricting absentee voting, will make it vote and harder to cheat.

But why should YOU vote in the primaries?

1. When the general election comes in November, you may not be pleased with the limited choices. Use the primaries as an opportunity to voice your opinion early.
2. There are many districts that are heavily towards one party. In these districts, by voting in the primary election you will have a greater influence than in the general election, where you can help decide which Republican or Democrat will be representing your area.
3. There may not be candidates running from opposing parties in November. For some races, there may not be candidates running from opposing parties in November, meaning the winner will be determined in the primaries. If you wait until the general election, you will miss the opportunity to make your voice heard.

How does the Greenville Chamber rank Candidates?

Every year, we issue ratings for candidates running for office throughout Greenville to help the business community make decisions about which candidate to support. The Chamber does not endorse candidates. Take a look at the rankings HERE.

What candidates will help the Greenville Community according to the Business and Industry in Greenville Political Action Community?

Take a look at what candidates BIGPAC supports HERE.

So, what does this election reform law change when you go to vote in the Primaries?

South Carolinians will have two weeks before the election date to vote early in person. This is replacing what was previously known as in-person absentee voting. Any person who is qualified to vote, can vote early. Those voting early can vote in any county voter registration and elections offices, and other early voting sites their county operates.

Another big change is that early ballots will be counted as they are received, whereas with in-person absentee voting, ballots were not counted until the election date. So not only does this make it easier on residents, but also on those counting ballots.

What about Absentee Voting?

Absentee voting is still allowed for qualified individuals, but absentee votes cannot be made in person. These ballots must be mailed before election day. Those qualified for absentee voting include…

• Those with disabilities
• Those 65 years or older
• Those who are members of the Armed Forces and Merchant Marines of the United States as well as their spouses and those who live with them
• Those admitted to hospitals on the day of the election or a four-day period of the election
• Those not able to vote in person or during the election period due to reasons such as jobs, attending to sick or physically disabled individuals, confinement to jail or pretrial facility due to a pending disposition of arrest or trial, or not being in the county for any reason.