The SEC is in the process of replacing its current, paperless statewide voting system with a new voting system solution that features a paper record of each voter’s voted ballot. On this page, you will find news, information and informative links related to the replacement effort.
Voting System Replacement Facts:
Celebrating the Commitment to Ensuring Every Vote Matters and Every Vote Counts
COLUMBIA, SC (December 27, 2018) – Beginning January 1, the South Carolina State Election Commission (SEC) will be celebrating 50 years of ensuring every eligible citizen has the opportunity to register to vote, participate in fair and impartial elections, and have the assurance that their votes will count. That commitment began on January 1, 1969, when the SEC was formed by the General Assembly as an independent state agency charged with overseeing South Carolina’s elections.
February 19, 2019 - Greenwood and Laurens Counties
January 22, 2019 - Greenville County
Governor Henry McMaster has proclaimed 2019 as S.C. State Election Commission 50th Anniversary Year throughout the state. He is encouraging all South Carolinians to celebrate the State Election Commission’s 50 years of ensuring eligible citizens have the opportunity to register to vote, the opportunity to participate in fair and impartial elections, and the assurance that their votes will count.
Read the Governor's Proclamation
Read more about the SEC's 50th Anniversary
April 23, 2019 - Greenwood and Laurens Counties
Important Dates & Deadlines
Filing Opens: Noon, Friday, December 28
Filing Closes: Noon, Saturday, January 5
Click Here for Candidate Tracking - Get candidate names and information (available after filing opens).
January 20 - Voter Registration Deadline for Primary
February 19 - Primary
March 5 - Primary Runoff
March 24 - Voter Registration Deadline for Special Election
April 23 - Special Election
Candidate Filing Information
COLUMBIA, SC (December 7, 2018) - The State Election Commission (SEC) in conjunction with the State Fiscal Accountability Authority (SFAA) today released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for South Carolina’s next statewide voting system. The SEC is seeking a uniform, statewide voting system solution that features a paper record of each voter’s voted ballot to replace the current paperless system. The SEC expects to implement the new system by January 2020.
A new voting system will not only provide the state with a dependable system that will serve voters for years to come but will also improve the security and resilience of our election process. Having a paper record of each voter’s voted ballot will add an important layer of security as it allows for post-election audits of ballots to verify vote totals.
The SEC is issuing the RFP now to allow adequate time for evaluation of voting system proposals and subsequent implementation by January 2020. The SEC continues working with the S.C. General Assembly to acquire funding for this replacement effort.
March 26, 2019 - Greenville County
Important Dates & Deadlines
Noon, Friday, November 30 - Filing Opens
Noon, Saturday, December 8 - Filing Closes
Click Here for Candidate Tracking - Get candidate names and information (available after filing opens).
December 23 - Voter Registration Deadline for Primary
January 22 - Primary
February 24 - Voter Registration Deadline for Special Election
March 26 - Special Election
Candidate Filing Information
COLUMBIA, SC (November 2, 2018) – As of today, more than 260,000 absentee ballots have been issued statewide, and more than 230,000 absentee ballots have been returned. For the 2014 General Election, the last midterm, approximately 157,000 absentee ballots were cast, which was the previous record for absentee voting in a midterm election. Absentee numbers will continue to increase as voters will have additional opportunities to vote absentee in person on Saturday and Monday before the General Election on Tuesday.
County election offices will be open statewide for in-person absentee voting on
To vote absentee in-person, visit your county elections office, complete an application, and cast your ballot.
Absentee by Mail:
