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Early voting begins in one week. What to know before you head to the polls

Last week more than 238,000 people voted early across South Carolina and nearly 38,000 mail-in absentee ballots were returned. This is the first general election in our state with early voting thanks to the massive bi partisan election integrity bill Republican and Democratic lawmakers passed in May.
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Last week more than 238,000 people voted early across South Carolina and nearly 38,000 mail-in absentee ballots were returned. This is the first general election in our state with early voting thanks to the massive bi partisan election integrity bill Republican and Democratic lawmakers passed in May.

Next week early voting begins for the 2026 South Carolina primary election.

On June 9, voters will decide which candidates will face off for several statewide seats in November’s general election. Eligible voters could head to the polls as soon as May 26. One Senate seat and all seven U.S. House seats are up for election. South Carolina's governor is also up for election.

But congressional elections could be delayed as lawmakers debate possible mid-cycle redistricting. Gov. Henry McMaster issued an executive order that brought the general assembly back into a special session to weigh the issue.

Should South Carolina move forward with redrawing the state’s congressional map, the congressional primary election could be delayed.

The election commission says polling locations will be open from 8:30 until 5 Monday-Friday. Early voters should bring a photo I.D.

Early voting ends June 5.

Kristina Thacker joined the South Carolina Public Radio team in September of 2025. She is a multimedia journalist with experience in both on-air reporting and production.