Excitement Builds in Columbia as Election Day Approaches

Excitement Builds in Columbia as Election Day Approaches

Columbia, S.C. — Mark your calendars, folks! Election Day is just around the corner, falling on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. This is the day when registered voters get to make their voices heard, choosing the next President of the United States and local representatives, including school board members and state representatives. Whether you’re a first-time voter or someone who’s been casting ballots for years, it’s important to be prepared!

Are You Registered?

Before you get ready to vote, it’s crucial to check your voter registration status. Unfortunately, if you haven’t registered yet, you’re out of luck as South Carolina law mandates that residents must register at least 30 days before the election. But don’t worry if you’re unsure about your registration – you can easily verify your information online at scvotes.gov. Just a few clicks and you’ll know your voting precinct and whether your information is up to date. If you’ve recently moved, make sure your new address is recorded because it determines your voting district, so you don’t want to miss out on any crucial votes!

Ways to Update Your Information

In case you’ve moved but forgot to update your address, all is not lost! Failsafe voting allows you to update your address on the day of the election under certain conditions. But ideally, you should address this before heading to the polls. Remember, it’s not just about the presidential candidates; local issues and races can vary greatly depending on where you live.

Early Voting Options

If the thought of waiting in long lines on Election Day doesn’t sit well with you, there’s some good news! Early voting starts on Monday, October 21, and continues until Saturday, November 2 (note that early voting is closed on Sunday, October 27). During this window, early voting centers will be available from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the locations in the Midlands where you can cast your vote early:

• Calhoun County Community Development Center
• John Williams SR Fellowship Hall
• Richland County Early Voting Location
• Many more around town!

Check out the complete list of early voting locations on the official site to find one that works for you.

Absentee Voting Details

Need to vote absentee? You’ll want to know that the deadline to request an absentee ballot is 5 p.m. on Friday, October 25. Keep in mind that as of 2022, you can no longer request these ballots online or via email. You’ll need to contact your county voter registration office directly by phone, in person, or through the mail. Once you receive your ballot, fill it out and make sure to sign the voter’s oath and have it witnessed by someone aged 18 or older. Remember, completed ballots must reach your county office by 7 p.m. on Election Day. So plan accordingly!

Unique Voting Situations

What if you find yourself in the hospital on Election Day? No problem! According to SCVotes.gov, an immediate family member can apply for and deliver a ballot to you if you’re admitted as an emergency patient on or just before the election.

Casting Your Vote

On Election Day, polls will open bright and early at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m.. Don’t forget to bring a valid photo ID with you! If you forget your ID, don’t panic—you’ll still have the option to cast a provisional ballot. Just be sure to provide your ID to your county board of voter registration and elections office before the election results are certified, which is by November 8.

Making Your Choices Count

When filling out your ballot, remember that your home address dictates the specific races you can vote on. You’ll definitely have the chance to cast your vote for President! Your ballot will come with a list of candidates, which may include famous faces and local leaders. Take your time to familiarize yourself with the candidates and any local issues that might be on your ballot—we want to ensure you feel informed and ready to vote!

So there you have it, Columbia! As Election Day draws near, make sure you’re ready to make your voice heard. Every vote counts, and your participation is essential for shaping the future of your community and country. Now, let’s get out there and vote!