SC voter registration deadline extended due to the widespread impact of Hurricane Helene

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– People in South Carolina now have more time to register to vote, if they have not already done so.

According to a press release from scvotes.gov, SC citizens have more time to register to vote ahead of the 2024 General Election after a court on Thursday, Oct.4, ordered the voter registration deadline to be extended to Monday, October 14.

The 8 day extension was ordered due to the widespread impact of Hurricane Helene.

Officials say several county voter registration offices were closed for days before being able to reopen for registration.

And offices in Edgefield, Laurens, and McCormick have remained closed due to the storm.

According to a press release, the South Carolina Democratic Party (SCDP) filed a lawsuit asking the state court to order the South Carolina Election Commission to extend voter registration deadlines.

Which was granted by Circuit Court Judge Daniel Coble on Thursday, Oct. 3.

“We are pleased the voter registration deadline has been extended. This isn’t a partisan issue. It’s an issue of the public good and ensuring the right to vote is protected for everyone, said SCDP Chair Christale Spain.

There are several ways to register in South Carolina:

• Register online at scVOTES.gov before midnight, Monday, October 14 (requires SC Driver’s License or DMV ID Card).
• Download a voter registration form from scVOTES.gov.  Complete and return the form to your county voter registration office:
  • By fax (must be received before midnight, Monday, October 14).
  • By email attachment (must be received before midnight, Monday, October 14).
  • By mail (must be postmarked by Monday, October 14).
• Register in person at your county voter registration office.  Most offices will close at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, October 14 for in-office registrations.  Check locally for specific hours.

If you are already register: 

• Visit scvotes.gov and click “Check My Registration” to make sure your registration is up to date.
• Get more information on voter registration and elections at scVOTES.gov.