Voting in S.C. Now Requires Voter ID

The South Carolina Disability Voting Coalition is working to remove barriers that may keep people with disabilities from fully exercising their right to vote. A new South Carolina law became effective January 1 of this year, which requires a photo ID in order to vote. Last year, federal judges upheld the law, but delayed enforcement until 2013. When you go to your polling place you will be asked to show one of the following photo identifications:

• S.C. Driver's License
• ID Card issued by S.C. Department of Motor Vehicles
• S.C. Voter Registration Card with Photo
• Federal Military ID
• U.S. Passport

If you do not currently have one of the above photo identifications, you may get one free of charge by obtaining a voter registration card with a photo from your county voter registration and elections office by providing your date of birth and last 4 digits of your Social Security Number. You may choose to get an identification card from your local Department of Motor Vehicles Office. 

Similar legislation is expected to become law in North Carolina this year. A voter ID law was passed last session, but was vetoed by then Governor Beverly Perdue. Governor Pat McCrory says he would sign such legislation into law.

For more detailed information on the and information about training seminars the Board of Elections is providing throughout South Carolina, please visit the SC State Election Commission.