Thursday, September 9, 2010

News and Events

South Carolina Voting Rights: Myths Revealed

September 19, 2008   |   Back to News and Events

Being a responsible father also means being a responsible citizen.  Citizens should take an active role in public life.  This November, plan to exercise your rights by voting on Tuesday, November 4.  Below please find some facts and fiction about your voting rights. 

 

MYTH:  You can register to vote anytime before the election. 

FACT: In order to vote in this year’s election, you must register to vote by October 4, 2008.  (Registration by mail applications must be postmarked at least 30 days prior to the election to be eligible).

 

MYTH: If convicted of a felony, you are unable to vote.

FACT: This is false.  Convicted felons may vote if you have served the entire sentence, including probation and parole, or have received a pardon for the conviction.

 

MYTH: You must have lived in South Carolina for at least one year before you can register to vote.

FACT: There is no length of residency requirement in South Carolina in order to register to vote. You can register at any time.

 

MYTH: If your voter registration information has changed (name, address, etc.), and you still live within the same county, you don’t need to update your voter registration.

FACT: Even if you moved within the county, you must update your information.  Forms can be downloaded at www.scvotes.org.

 

MYTH: All you need to vote on Election Day is your voter registration card.

FACT:  You will need both your voter registration card and a government issued ID, both having the same name and address.  The government issued ID is either a SC Driver’s License, or if you do not have a valid driver’s license, you can get a simple identification card from any SC Department of Motor Vehicles for $10.00.

 

MYTH: It does not matter where I go to vote on Election Day.

FACT: Where you go to vote is determined by your address within your county.  Precinct locations can be found at www.scvotes.org. Simply go to the tab listed as PRECINCT, click on your county, and you will be given both the number of your county voter registration board and specific precinct locations.  If you are still unsure where to vote, call the number given and ask.   

 

 

For more information on voter registration in South Carolina, visit www.scvotes.org