SC Election Commission Encourages Voters to Prepare for June Primaries

Prompt Preparation Urged for Upcoming Primaries

In a bid to ensure successful participation in the upcoming elections, the South Carolina Election Commission encourages registered voters to start planning their voting strategies. With the primaries slated for June 11th, the Commission is advising voters not to delay in gearing up for the occasion.

The future political landscape of South Carolina is teetering on the verge of massive change as every legislative seat in the State House is up for re-election commencing this year. Furthermore, county-level positions, such as sheriffs, are also on the ballot state-wide, subsequently leading to anticipation regarding potential shifts in political dynamics.

“Now is the time for registered voters to make their plan on how they’re actually going to cast their ballot, and there’s a couple of different options,” expressed South Carolina Election Commission Public Information Officer John Michael Catalano.

Early Voting Option Provides Flexibility to Voters

Although the majority of the electorate traditionally opt to exercise their voting rights on the election day itself, the Election Commission is making strides in extending voting accessibility. Stemming from a state law enacted in 2022, South Carolinians now have the option to cast their votes early during the two-week advanced voting period, which kicks off on May 28th and runs until June 10th.

In line with this approach, the Commission directs early voters to any of the allotted voting centers based in their county of residence.

Voters Encouraged to Confirm Polling Locations

For citizens planning to cast their votes on the primary election day, the Election Commission underscores the importance of verifying polling place locations. Owing to the occasional changes in voting venues resulting from scheduling conflicts, voters are advised to pinpoint their designated voting centers ahead of time to prevent potential inconvenience.

Voting by Mail: Ensuring Broad Voter Participation

In its continued mission to foster broad voter participation, the Commission also recommends that voters interested in casting ballots by mail should start the process as soon as possible. To apply for a mail-in ballot, eligible voters need to return an application to the county election office by May 31.

Besides facilitating the elderly, disabled, and military families, voting by mail has been provisioned for those with employment commitments and those confined to jail or a hospital due to an emergency.

Knowing Candidates before Voting

In a final piece of advice, Catalano urged voters to familiarize themselves with their choices before showing up to vote. This recommendation evolved from the state’s open primary system where registered voters can participate in either party’s primaries but not both.

“Make sure you know who you’re going to go vote for before you go vote,” advised Catalano. Sample ballots showcasing all candidates are available online, further enabling voters to make informed decisions.