Sponsored Content

🗳️ How to avoid long lines on Election Day

Early voting allows all registered voters to cast their ballot in person before Election Day.

Sponsored by
An image of a man extending his hand to use a voting machine.

Exercise your right to vote during the early voting period, beginning two weeks before Election Day.

Photo provided by South Carolina Election Commission

Table of Contents

Election Day (Tuesday, Nov. 5) is less than a month away, and we have a feeling Columbia’s polls will be busy. The good news: South Carolina voters can take advantage of early voting during a presidential election for the first time ever. This initiative began in 2022 as a way to help voters beat the crowds and avoid last-minute delays on Election Day.

Ready to make your vote count? Here’s what you need to know:

When to vote early

  • Early voting is happening now; it started on Monday, Oct. 21.
  • Early voting ends on Saturday, Nov. 2.

Where to vote

Every county in South Carolina will have at least one early voting center. Find out where to go using the list of early voting locations for the 2024 General Election.

Voting hours

  • You can vote Mondays through Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Early voting is closed on Sunday, Oct. 27.

What to expect

When you vote early, make sure to bring a valid photo ID. You’ll use the same voting machines that are used on Election Day, and your early vote will be counted just like the ones cast on Nov. 5. However, there won’t be any early election results announced, so you’ll still need to wait for the final count.

Find an early voting center

More from COLAtoday
Riverbanks Zoo welcomes endangered cotton-top tamarins, including a young female rescued from the pet trade and now on view.
Long lines, exclusive vinyl, and live performances bring crowds to Papa Jazz and Scratch N Spin.
When the sun is shining and the weather is perfect, pack a bag and head out to one of the many spots great for remote work in Columbia. From coffee shops to public parks, we have a plethora of places to refresh your mind and step away from your home desk.
If you recently retired and are looking for things to do, this guide will help you make the most of retirement in Columbia.
Explore group volunteer opportunities, from hands-on projects to custom experiences, that let your team give back to the Columbia community.
Developers break ground on a mixed-use Vista project, with Mashburn relocating its headquarters during its 50th year.
Fresh fruits make the spring season even sweeter.
Put your money where your community is and help us create a guide to small businesses by submitting your favorite local spots and sharing this page with a friend.
Enter the lottery for a chance to experience Congaree National Park’s synchronous firefly display.