2020 elections: Here’s what you need to know about absentee voting in Horry County
It’s time to begin making plans for this election season, especially if you’re planning to get an absentee ballot.
To obtain one, you must be a registered voter and inform the state you intend to vote absentee so the ballot can be mailed to you. Absentee voting is available for people over 65 years of age, busy workers, those serving the country overseas, people in hospitals or a variety of other reasons.
Currently, you can find a ballot application form online or by visiting an elections office, like the one in Conway on 1515 4th Ave. Once you get a form, fill it out with your reason for voting absentee and which elections you’re requesting.
You then return the application for the ballot in person to your elections office no later than four days ahead of the election.
The application form can be mailed in, but you need to make sure it arrives on time. When submitting the application through the mail, the South Carolina Elections Commission recommends sending the documents a week before the deadlines to avoid any hiccups.
The South Carolina Democrat Primary is on Feb. 29, a Saturday this year. The statewide party primaries for South Carolina-specific races will be June 9. Finally, the general election will be held Nov. 3.
Once your application is submitted, you will be given your ballot.
Fill out your absentee ballot with the candidates of your choice and return it ahead of the election. Ballots must be submitted in person or through the mail by 7 p.m. on election day.
If you’re still not registered to vote, now is the time to do so. You can register online, by mail or at an elections office and must be on the books for at least 30 days before an election. Bring a valid state identification card.
