By Kate Franch
South Carolina voters do not register by political party, and South Carolina is an open primary state. This means that a registered voter may choose in which political party’s primary election to participate. You may vote only one party’s primary ballot during each primary election cycle.
When voting in-person absentee or at their polling place on Primary Election Day, a voter will be asked, “In which party’s primary do you wish to vote today?”
On the application to request an absentee-by-mail ballot, the voter must indicate which party’s ballot they wish to receive.
Download list of new polling places for primary
A voter is encouraged to first check the sample ballot for their precinct prior to requesting an absentee-by-mail ballot application, or voting in-person absentee or on Election Day, so that they know the races available to them. Get your sample ballot.
On May 12, 2020, the South Carolina State Legislature passed a bipartisan measure that permits all voters to vote absentee by choosing Reason 18 – State of Emergency on your application (by mail and in-person). See COVID-19 Updates This measure currently applies to the June 9 Primary Election and any subsequent runoff elections only. No decision has been made yet regarding the November 3 General Election. See absentee voting qualifications.
A runoff election is considered the continuation of the primary. If you vote in one party’s primary, you may vote in a runoff of that same party only. If you do not vote at all on Primary Election Day, then you may vote in the runoff election of only one party.
To request the absentee-by-mail application, call the Greenville County Elections and Voter Registration Office at 864-467-7264 or email absentee@greenvillecounty.org. You may also go to SCVotes.org to download the application. Send the completed application to the Greenville County Voter Registration and Election Office, 301 University Ridge, Suite 1900, Greenville SC 29601. Or return by email to absentee@greenvillecounty.org.
For more information, visit the county election office website or read the state election commission FAQ at scvotes.org.
Greenville County has established four new satellite locations for in person absentee voting. Here’s the full list of locations, dates, and times. The last day for absentee voting at all locations is June 8.
Greenville County Voter Registration and Election Office, 301 University Ridge, Suite 1900, Greenville SC 29601 (Conference Rooms A&B). Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM – 5 PM.
The four satellite locations open May 26, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5 PM.
Mt. Pleasant Community Center, 710 S. Fairfield Road, Greenville, SC 29605.
Travelers Rest City Hall, 125 Trailblazer Drive, Traveler’s Rest, SC 29690.
Mauldin Branch Library, 800 W. Butler Road, Greenville, SC 29607.
Greer City Hall, 301 Poinsett Street, Greer, SC 29651.