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1. What do I need to register to vote?

Requirements include:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Be a citizen of the U.S. (Proof of residency)
• Be a resident of the County and polling precinct in which the elector (voter) offers to vote
• Neither be under court order declaring the elector mentally incompetent nor serving a term of prison resulting from the conviction of a crime
• Not have been convicted of a felony, or any offense against the election laws, unless the elector has served his/her entire sentence, including probation and parole time, or has received a pardon

2. Where can I register to vote?

You can register to vote at:

• Any library or health department
• Chamber of Commerce
• Department of Motor Vehicles
• Department of Social Services
• Main office of the Voter Registration and Election Commission located at:
  1437 Amelia Street
  Orangeburg, SC 29115

3. If I register to vote, will I also be called for jury duty?

Potential jurors are randomly selected from voter registration lists as well as driver’s license and Department of Motor Vehicle identification lists. Your chances of being selected for jury duty are just as great if you have a South Carolina driver’s license.

4. Where do I vote?

Your polling place is determined by what voting precinct boundary you reside in and is designated on the bottom line of your voter registration card.

5. What Congressional District am I in?

Orangeburg County has two Congressional Districts. Joe Wilson is the Congressional Representative for District 2. James Clyburn is the Representative for District 6.

6. I have lost my registration card. Can I still vote?

Yes, as long as you have a valid, unexpired South Carolina driver’s license. You may also request a duplicate card by mail, phone, or in person from the Voter Registration and Elections Office.

7. What can I do if I cannot make it to the polls on election day?

State law allows for absentee voting in advance of any election if the elector qualifies under one of the various reasons allowable such as for members of the Armed Forces, physically disabled, persons on vacation, persons 65 years of age or older, etc. Please contact the Office of Voter Registration to see if you are eligible for absentee voting.

8. How does one qualify to vote absentee?

If you will be absent from the County on Election Day, you may request an absentee ballot. You may be absent due to employment, vacation, etc. If you are over 65 years of age, you are qualified to vote absentee. Members of the military and their dependents are eligible to vote absentee. Other qualifications are:

• Attending a sick or disabled person
• A certified poll worker or poll worker
• Confined to a jail or pre-trial facility pending disposition of arrest or trial
• Death or funeral in the family (3 days prior to the election)
• Emergency hospital patient (admitted 4 days prior to election)
• Jury duty
• Physically disabled individuals
• Students (their spouses or dependents also)
• U.S. citizen permanently residing outside the U.S.
• U.S. citizen temporarily residing outside the U.S. due to employment (serving with the American Red Cross, United Service Organizations, Peace Corps, etc.)

9. May I request an absentee ballot for my neighbor?

No. Only the individual, a member of their immediate family, or a designated authorized representative may request an absentee application.

10. May I take my wife, husband, child, mother, or father their ballot?

No. Ballots are given to the voter either in person or by mail only. The individual in question may vote in our office which is the absentee precinct or by mail. In emergency situations, please check with our office.

11. If I do not vote in the Primary Election, can I vote in the November or any general election?

Yes. You do not have to vote in a Primary Election to be eligible to vote in a November General or Special General Election.

12. What party am I registered with?

The State of South Carolina does not register by party. You will choose a party only when you vote in a Primary Election. If you chose a party in a Primary Election, when the next Primary Election comes you are not obligated to stay with that party. You may switch back and forth, if you so desire.

13. Is assistance offered at the polls?

Yes. A voter can request assistance if they are blind, physically disabled, or unable to read and write. A voter may receive assistance from anyone they choose except their employer, an agent of their employer, or an officer or agent of his union.