South Carolina’s Republican primary is always a hotly contested affair — and Saturday’s is sure to be no exception. Here’s how you can make sure your voice will count in this year’s contest.
South Carolina’s primary is open, meaning that any voter registered in the state is eligible to vote, regardless of party affiliation.
Voters are required to present identification in order to vote. Valid identification includes: your voter registration card, driver’s license or other Department of Motor Vehicles–issued ID card.
However, if you are planning to take your registration card, registered by mail and didn’t include ID with your application, take note: you will also be required to present your license, DMV-issued ID or “a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck or other government document that shows your name and address in the county [you’re voting in],” according to the state Election Commission.
You’re also required to vote at your assigned precinct, which will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., but any voters in line when polls close at 7 p.m. will still be allowed to vote.
The accompanying maps show the location of polling stations for four precincts near USC’s campus and off-campus apartments, but they are not an exhaustive guide. You can locate your polling place on the Election Commission website at bit.ly/SCVoting.
If you’re hoping to vote absentee by mail, you may be out of luck — the deadline to return ballots was Jan. 17. The deadline to vote absentee in person, though, is Friday at 5 p.m.