CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - Charleston County voters will be able to cast their ballots as early as next Monday through seven different early voting locations.
The Charleston County Board of Elections is expecting a high turnout for the 2024 general elections. Early voting will be available from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
A law change in 2022 eliminated the use of a signed form and instead allows voters to use a photo ID to check in, making for a smoother voting process.
“Early voting gives us the opportunity for a lot of resources. Personnel and equipment on election day. Since we have 104 locations, we have to divvy that out per population. Early voting gives us the opportunity to have a bigger voting facility, accessibility,” Charleston County Board of Voter Registration and Elections Executive Director Isaac Cramer said.
Curbside voting will be offered on both on Election Day and during early voting. They will also be workshopping a pilot sensory space for neurodivergent voters.
In the wake of controversies surrounding ballot integrity and voter suppression, the board is focused on protocol, ballot reconciliation and sealing of votes.
“There’s been a lot of misinformation around casting your ballot ahead of Election Day. There’s been a scare tactic being used that we’re trying to push against, and our messaging is centered around the security of the vote,” Cramer said.
Cramer recommended checking the SC VOTES website to ensure voter registration is up to date. Voters with questions or concerns should contact the state Election Commission.
The board is reporting more than 500 new poll workers. The goal is to have 1,500 total, like in 2020. Poll workers are paid $250 for working Election Day and there are no background checks required.
“Poll workers get to serve people in your neighborhoods. Ensure their right to vote is protected. The laws are being followed. This election has integrity because of the people who are working. These are your friends, these are your neighbors,” Cramer said.
CARTA will offer free rides on Election Day. The voter office in North Charleston will be accessible from the Main Library during early voting, but it will not be free.
The deadline to receive a mail ballot is Oct. 25 at 5 p.m. If you are able to return your vote in person, you can drop it off at an early voting site.
Absentee voters are being asked to double-check they witnessed and signed their voter pack properly.
The county board is offering a voter guide which explains this information, who is running for office and what each office is for.
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