New Bill Changes Absentee Voting Rules

Press Release from Charleston County

Under a new bill passed by South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, all qualified voters in South Carolina will be allowed to cast an absentee ballot in the June 9 Primary Election and any subsequent runoffs. The no excuse absentee voting bill temporarily suspends excuses needed to vote absentee.

“As we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing guidelines, we strongly encourage Charleston County Citizens to take advantage of this new bill and vote absentee by mail,” said Board of Elections Director Joe Debney. “We would also like to remind citizens about our online chat feature. Board of Elections representatives will assist with requesting an absentee ballot, answer registration questions, and update addresses, all through our website.”

Request a mail in absentee ballot by:

• Phone: (843)744-8683
• Email: absentee@charlestoncounty.org
• Online chat: vote.charlestoncounty.org

The Charleston County Board of Elections is currently hiring poll workers. Compensation is $135 and $195 for the Clerk of the Precinct for each election worked, however an extra $30 is being added to that rate for the June 9 Primary Election, and another $15 if there is a runoff election.

Qualifications:

• Must be a registered voter in South Carolina, or aged 16 or 17.
• Be willing and able to attend a Poll Worker Training Session (2-3 hours) and pass a written certification test before EACH election.
• Be prepared to work the ENTIRE Election Day, from 6:00AM until approximately 7:30 p.m.
• Be non-partisan and neutral when working an election.

Poll worker application: https://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/bevr/poll-managers.php

From the South Carolina State Election Commission:

Voting 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 your address is up to date.
• Check your registration.
• 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.  We are all in this together.

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