Just the facts: Here’s what you need to know about voting on Election Day in the Carolinas
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) — All of the hype and handwringing over the 2024 presidential election is coming to a crescendo as voters get set to head to the polls on Tuesday.
Nearly a million South Carolina voters and more than 3 million in North Carolina have already cast their ballots — setting records in both states — and thousands more are expected to do the same before early voting ends on Saturday.
South Carolina early voting underway; here’s where you can cast your ballot
South Carolina has about 3.4 million registered voters, according to the state Election Commission. North Carolina has about 7.8 million registered to vote.
Once early voting ends in both states, voters can still turn in absentee ballots until the polls close in both states.
Here are some things you need to know if you’re waiting to go to the polls on Election Day.
What time do the polls open and close in the Carolinas?
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in South Carolina. The hours are slightly different in North Carolina, with polls opening at 6:30 a.m. and closing at 7:30 p.m.
All voters who are in line when the polls close will be allowed to vote.
How do I know where to vote?
In South Carolina, the state Election Commission offers information about poll locations online. Simply choose your county, provide your first and last name, birthdate and the last four digits of your Social Security number to search for information about your precinct and voting districts.
The North Carolina State Board of Elections offers a similar website with a form that asks voters to provide their first name, middle initial and last name, along with a birthdate and the county where they live. It provides jurisdictions, polling places, sample ballots when available and voter history.
The website vote411.org also provides information to help you find out where to vote on Election Day.
Do I need to provide identification to vote?
The short answer is yes.
In South Carolina, you will be asked to show one of the following current and valid photo IDs: a state driver’s license, a state Department of Motor Vehicles ID card, a state voter registration card with a photo, a federal military ID, or a U.S. passport card.
Registered voters with an ID can still cast a provisional ballot, but they will need to provide one of the photo IDs to the election commission before the certification of the election to have their vote counted.
North Carolina voters will be asked to show a photo ID, according to the state Board of Elections. A driver’s license is acceptable, but other photo IDs can also be used. Registered voters who do not have a photo ID can get one for free from their county board of elections or the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles.
Voters without an ID can still cast a provisional ballot, but they will need to present an ID at their county board of elections office by 5 p.m. on Nov. 14.
Is it OK to take a photo of my ballot?
No. Taking so-called “ballot selfies” is prohibited in both South Carolina and North Carolina.
According to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, voters are not permitted to use a camera inside the voting booth, making it “unlawful to take a photo of your ballot and share that photo or allow your ballot to be seen.”
North Carolina voters are permitted to have phones or electronic devices with them while they are voting but it is unlawful to take photos or videos and to communicate with anyone via text, email or other methods while voting.
Voters are allowed to have phones or electronic devices with them while voting as long as the devices are not used to photograph or videotape a ballot or communicate with anyone via voice, text, email, or any other method.
Where can I find results on election night?
Queen City News is your local election headquarters. We’ll feature the results of the most prominent national, state, regional, and local races at QCnews.com
Both the South Carolina Election Commission and the North Carolina State Board of Elections will have results online as well.
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