The State Election Commission issued the following press releases Monday.
COLUMBIA, SC (April 27, 2020) - Governor McMaster today announced the postponement of elections scheduled for May 5 and May 12 (full list below). Affected elections will be rescheduled. Specific dates will be announced later.
List of postponed May elections:
May 5
Lancaster School Board Special Election
Newberry City Council Special Election
May 12
Ware Shoals School Board General Election
Town of Windsor General Election
Town of Bonneau General Election
City of Hanahan Special Election
City of Chester Special Election
Town of Lamar Special Election
Ninety-Six School Board General Election
Spartanburg Metropolitan Sub District B Water and Sewer District General Election
June 9 Primaries to be Held as Scheduled, Qualifying Voters Urged to Vote Absentee
COLUMBIA, SC (April 27, 2020) – The June 9 Statewide Primaries and June 23 Runoffs are set to proceed as scheduled. The SEC has no authority to delay the primaries or deviate from current law in conducting elections. Voting options remain unchanged. Voters should prepare now to exercise their right to vote by choosing the best option for them.
Vote Absentee
Those who qualify are urged to vote absentee as soon as possible.
If voting absentee by mail, you should apply now.
In-person absentee voting at county voter registration offices begins May 4.
Qualifications include:
Being age 65 or older
Having a disability (includes illness and injury)
Attending a sick or disabled person
Click for a full list of absentee qualifications and to get your application.
Vote on Election Day
Election officials are taking steps to protect the health of voters and poll managers:
Poll managers will receive special Covid-19 training on applying social distancing and maintaining sanitary conditions in the polling place.
Election officials are working to source:
Masks, face shields and gloves for poll managers.
Sneeze guards for check-in stations.
Sanitizing wipes for cleaning common surfaces.
Hand sanitizer for voters and poll managers.
Cotton swabs for making selections on the touchscreen.
Check-in stations and voting equipment will be spaced at least six feet apart.
Some polling places will be relocated or consolidated due to the pandemic. Some facilities have declined to be used, and some poll managers have declined to serve. Election officials are working to find new locations and recruit new managers; however, some voters will vote at a different polling place.
Voters should prepare by:Making sure you are registered to vote, and your address is up to date.
Register or update your address.
Bringing your Photo ID (or voter registration card if you do not have a Photo ID).
Checking your polling place at scVOTES.org before going to the polls.
Wearing a protective mask if you have one.
Bringing your own pen for signing the poll list.
Practicing social distancing by spacing yourself at least six feet apart from others.
Being patient.
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