Charleston Co. Reveals New Polling Sites and Early Voting Updates

Updated on: October 8, 2024 4:00 am GMT

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) – As the 2024 general election approaches on November 5, the Charleston County Board of Voter Registration and Elections is reminding residents to check their polling locations due to multiple permanent changes within the county. With elections featuring presidential candidates and significant local races, officials emphasize the importance of being informed ahead of Election Day.

Polling Location Changes for 2024 General Election

Charleston County voters should be aware that several polling places have been permanently relocated. This adjustment is aimed at improving voter accessibility and reducing long wait times at the polls. Residents are encouraged to verify their voting precincts by visiting CHSVotes.gov, where they can also ensure their voter registration is up to date.

The new polling locations include the following changes:

• McClellanville: From New Wappetaw Presbyterian Church to Lincoln High School, 714 Lincoln Rd, McClellanville, SC 29458.
• Mt. Pleasant 3: From Mt. Pleasant National Guard Armory to Hilton Garden Inn, 300 Wingo Way, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464.
• Mt. Pleasant 16: From Mt. Pleasant National Guard Armory to Mt. Pleasant Fire Department Station 3, 355 7th Ave, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464.
• Mt. Pleasant 15: From Mt. Pleasant National Guard Armory to Mt. Pleasant Library, 1133 Mathis Ferry Rd, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464.
• Mt. Pleasant 1: From Alhambra Hall to St. Andrew’s Mt. Pleasant, 440 Whilden St, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464.
• Mt. Pleasant 9: From Moultrie Middle School to St. Andrew’s Mt. Pleasant, 440 Whilden St, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464.
• Mt. Pleasant 11, 12: From Mamie P. Whitesides Elementary School to Doubletree by Hilton Mt. Pleasant, 1330 Stuart Engals Blvd, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464.
• North Charleston 9, 11, 12: From Royal Missionary Baptist Church to North Charleston Sports Complex, 1455 Monitor St, North Charleston, SC 29405.
• North Charleston 8, 14: From Royal Missionary Baptist Church to Park Circle Community Building, 4800 Park Cir, North Charleston, SC 29405.
• North Charleston 28: From Trident Technical College to Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, 7396 Rivers Ave, North Charleston, SC 29406.
• St. Andrews 10, 14: From Pinecrest Baptist Church to Cynthia Graham Hurd/St. Andrews Library, 1735 N Woodmere Dr, Charleston, SC 29407.
• St. Pauls 1: From Adams Run Civic Center to Minnie Hughes Elementary School, 8548 Willtown Rd, Hollywood, SC 29449.

Election Day polling hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. All individuals in line at closing will be permitted to vote.

Early Voting and Absentee Ballots

Early voting will take place from October 21 to November 2, 2024, excluding Sundays, at designated locations from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Voters can cast their ballots at any of the following early voting sites:

• Charleston County Board of Elections, 4367 Corporate Road, North Charleston
• Sunkissed Farmers Market, 7037 S. Live Oak Dr., Charleston
• North Charleston City Hall, 2500 City Hall Ln, North Charleston
• Various other designated sites across the county

For those unable to vote in person, absentee ballots are available upon request. Voters must apply for these ballots in person at the county board office or contact officials at 843-744-8683. The application for absentee ballots must be submitted by October 25 at 5 p.m., and completed ballots must be returned to the board office by Election Day at 7 p.m.

Voter Registration and Identification Requirements

With the voter registration deadline looming, officials urge residents to ensure they are registered by October 6, 2024. State law mandates that individuals must register to vote at least 30 days before an election, making it essential for new residents or those who have moved within the county to confirm their registration status. To check registration status, voters can visit scvotes.gov.

Voters will also need to present valid photo identification at their polling location. Acceptable forms of ID include:

• South Carolina driver’s license
• South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles ID card
• South Carolina voter registration card with photo
• Federal military ID
• U.S. Passport

Local Races and Electoral Significance

The 2024 election will not only feature the presidential race but also a variety of crucial local offices. Voters in Charleston County will have the opportunity to choose their representatives in Congress, including incumbents Nancy Mace (R) and James Clyburn (D), and will also vote on various state legislative seats, many of which are contested.

In addition, local elections will determine positions such as sheriff, coroner, court clerk, and treasurer, as well as members for several nonpartisan offices. Voters are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the candidates and issues on the ballot, which may include proposed local taxes and constitutional questions, making for a potentially lengthy and significant ballot.

Community Engagement and Opportunities

The Charleston County Board of Voter Registration and Elections is also extending an invitation for community members interested in participating in the electoral process as election workers. Opportunities for recruitment and training are available, and interested participants must be registered voters with proper identification.

To apply, community members can visit the board office or reach out via email at scvotes@appleone.com for more details. This initiative not only provides valuable experience but also helps ensure that the upcoming election runs smoothly.

Encouraging Voter Preparedness

As Election Day approaches, Isaac Cramer, Executive Director for the Charleston County Board of Voter Registration and Elections, emphasizes the importance of being prepared. “Make a plan to vote this year,” he advises. Residents should consider checking their registration status, identifying their polling places, and reviewing sample ballots when they become available.

This election is really important for the people in Charleston County. Voters will make big choices that could affect our community and the whole country. It’s important for everyone to pay attention and stay informed so we can all help make our democracy strong.