Voter Guide: What to know for the Nov. 5 general election

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)- The 2024 General Election is just weeks away, and voting has already begun across South Carolina.

The state’s more than 3.4 million registered voters will not only weigh in on who will occupy the White House for the next four years but also choose who represents the state in the U.S. House and each district in the South Carolina General Assembly.

Here’s everything you need to know before going to the polls:

Important dates to know

• Monday, Oct. 21: First day of early voting
• Friday, Oct. 25: Last day to request absentee ballot
• Sunday, Nov. 2: Last day of early voting
• Tuesday, Nov. 5: Election Day, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

What races are on the ballot?

The ballot will include seven candidates for president, according to officials:

• Constitution Party – Randall A. Terry
• Workers’ Party – Claudia De La Cruz
• Democratic Party – Kamala D. Harris
• Libertarian Party – Chase Oliver
• Green Party – Jill Stein
• Republican Party – Donald J. Trump
• United Citizens Party – Cornel West

Additionally, each of South Carolina’s seven U.S. House of Representatives seats is up for election.

All 170 seats in the South Carolina state legislature — 124 in the House and 46 in the Senate — are also up for grabs this year. Some are uncontested, however.

Some ballots will also include races for county sheriff, circuit solicitor, probate judge, coroner, school board, and other countywide and local races.

Where can I find a sample ballot?

You can view a sample ballot based on your voting precinct by visiting the State Election Commission’s website. Click here.

Race and referendum previews

• 2 The Point: The Race for South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District
• Nancy Mace and Michael B. Moore talk key issues during SC-01 forum
• 2 The Point: Previewing the race for Charleston County sheriff
• Meet the candidates running for Dorchester County sheriff
• 10 candidates vying for seats on Charleston County school board
• Isle of Palms city council candidates debate issues facing the island
• Residents split on Charleston County sales tax referendum
• Georgetown County voters to decide penny sales tax referendums in November

Early voting locations

Any registered voter, including those who will be 18 years old by the Nov. 5 general election, can cast a ballot during the early voting period without an excuse.

Early voting for the 2024 election begins on Monday, October 21, and ends on Saturday, Nov. 2.

Below are the early voting locations in WCBD’s viewing area:

How can I request an absentee ballot?

Eligible voters can request an absentee ballot from their county election office starting Jan. 1 of the election year.

The deadline to return your application is 5:00 p.m. on the 11th day prior to the election, which falls on Oct. 25 for the 2024 election.

All absentee ballots must be returned by 7 p.m. on Election Day.

You can find more information on eligibility requirements and how to return your absentee ballot here.

How do I find my polling place on Election Day?

You can verify your precinct and find out your polling location by visiting scvotes.gov and selecting “Find my Polling Place.”

Polling places will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day. Anyone in line by 7 p.m. will be allowed to vote.

Am I registered to vote?

You can check your voter registration status by visiting scvotes.gov and selecting “Check my Voter Registration.” You’ll need to enter your name, county, date of birth, and the last four digits of your social security number.

Can I still register to vote?

Unfortunately, no. South Carolina law requires voters to register at least 30 days prior to Election Day.

Will I need a photo ID to vote?

Yes. When voting in person, you will be asked to show one of the following forms of identification.

• SC Driver’s License
• SC Department of Motor Vehicles ID Card
• SC Voter Registration Card with Photo
• Federal Military ID
• US Passport

How can I find election results?

News 2 will provide the most up-to-date election results in real time once polls are closed. You can find them on counton2.com beginning at 7 p.m.