What to know before going to vote in the SC Democratic Presidential Primary
The Democratic Presidential Primary season has reached South Carolina as candidates, pundits and armies of campaign staffers descend on the Palmetto State and Grand Strand to persuade voters.
Here is a guide to some questions you still might have about voting on Feb. 29.
What’s going on?
South Carolina is the first Southern state to hold its primary, which is why you hear people say “First in the South” when referring to Saturday’s vote.
Only the South Carolina Democrats will be holding a primary this year to pick their candidate to challenge President Donald Trump on Nov. 3 in the general presidential election.
Whoever wins South Carolina will receive up to 54 pledged delegates based off the percentage of the vote they win with the possibility of winning six more “superdelegates” who are not tied to primary results, according to 270towin.com.
To win the entire Democratic nomination, a candidate needs at least 1,991 pledged delegates to win on the first ballot. If there is no winner after the first round, then superdelegates will cast their vote.
The Republican Party in South Carolina decided not to hold a primary, pledging its support to Trump as the incumbent.
Who can I vote for?
Eight candidates are still campaigning to be the Democratic nominee: Joe Biden, Bernie Sanders, Michael Bloomberg, Pete Buttigeg, Elizabeth Warren, Tom Steyer, Amy Klobuchar and Tulsi Gabbard.
Notably, however, Bloomberg will not appear on the ballot in South Carolina. You may also see candidates who have dropped out of the race still on the ballot.
South Carolina is an open primary state, meaning you do not have to be a registered Democrat to vote in the primary this Saturday. Even Republicans can cast a vote in the Democrat primary.
When do I vote?
The polls will be open on Saturday, Feb. 29 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Voting locations will be held across Horry County. You can find your voting location on the bottom of your voter registration card or by visiting the South Carolina Election Commission website.
What do I need to vote?
If you’re a registered voter, you need to bring a government-issued identification card like a drivers license or passport. This does not need to be a “real ID.”
If you’re not registered to vote, you still have time ahead of the local primaries on June 9 or the general election on Nov. 3. You can register online, at the Department of Motor Vehicles office or by visiting the Horry County Elections office on 4th Avenue in Conway.
