Election Day 2024: South Carolinians Head to the Polls Following Record-Breaking Early Voting Turnout
November 4, 2024
On November 5, voters across South Carolina will head to the polls for the 2024 General Election, concluding an early voting period that saw unprecedented participation. The South Carolina State Election Commission (SEC) reports that over 1.5 million ballots were cast early this year, marking the highest pre-Election Day total in state history.
“We are thrilled to see this record-breaking turnout during the early voting period as we head into a highly anticipated Election Day,” said Howie Knapp, Executive Director of the SEC. “If you haven’t cast your ballot yet, get to the polls tomorrow and exercise your right to vote.”
In Laurens County, 13,538 residents took advantage of early voting. South Carolinians across the state mirrored this enthusiasm, as early in-person voting alone accounted for 1,472,000 ballots, while absentee by mail added 100,000, surpassing the early voting numbers of previous elections. The SEC anticipates high voter engagement as polling places open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday.
Important Election Day Reminders
- Polling Hours: Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Sample Ballot & Polling Location: Visit scVOTES.gov to check your sample ballot and locate your polling place before heading out to vote.
- Photo ID Requirement: Remember to bring a valid Photo ID, which will be required when you check in to vote.
Absentee Ballot Return Deadline
For those with absentee ballots, it’s crucial to return them by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day to ensure your vote is counted. Absentee ballots can be returned in person, but voters must present a Photo ID. Additional information, including assistance options for military and overseas voters or support from an immediate family member or authorized representative, is available on scVOTES.gov.
Pre-Election Day Voting Totals in South Carolina
| Election | Absentee By Mail | Early In Person | Pre-Election Day Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 General Election* | 441,000 | 893,000 | 1,334,000 |
| 2022 General Election | 58,000 | 562,000 | 620,000 |
| 2024 General Election | 100,000 | 1,472,000 | 1,572,000 |
*In 2020, early voting laws were not yet established; however, absentee voting was widely available due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Election Day promises to be a historic moment for South Carolina as voters across the state make their voices heard in the 2024 General Election. If you haven’t voted yet, be prepared, check your ballot, and make your plan to get to the polls tomorrow.
