If you haven’t yet registered so you can vote in November’s general election, you can thank Hurricane Helene for giving you a little more time.
State election officials announced late Friday that a state judge extended South Carolina’s voter registration deadline until Oct. 14 because of the widespread impact of Hurricane Helene on state residents. Just a few days ago, more than 800,000 utility customers from Aiken and Greenwood through Greenville and Spartanburg counties had no power. As of 11 a.m. Saturday, just over 189,000 customers still did not have power.
The eight-day extension came after the S.C. Democratic Party on Thursday filed a lawsuit seeking extra time because of the storm’s damage to counties across the state. The ruling gives people more time to exercise their right to vote despite the storm’s challenges, the party said.
“This isn’t a partisan issue,” said party chair Christale Spain. “It’s an issue of the public good and ensuring the right to vote is protected for everyone.”
All types of voter registration – in-person registration, online registration and mail-in registration – are extended until Oct. 14. Mail-in registration forms must be postmarked by Oct. 14.
- To register online, go to SCVotes.gov before midnight Oct. 14.
- To register by mail, you can download a form at SCVotes.gov and send it to election officials by fax, email or mail.
If you want to check your registration – just to be sure you can vote in November – visit the state election website and click on “check my registration.”
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