RIGHT NOW
Democrats are running for every office on the Dorchester County ballot.
Help us flip these seats — sign up now to volunteer.
Election 2026
Everything you need to vote and volunteer in Dorchester County.
See All Democratic Candidates
Every Democrat on the Dorchester County ballot this November.
Help Us Get Out The Vote (GOTV)
Ways to help turn out Democratic voters — from home or in your neighborhood.
Get the 2026 Voter Guide
Dive deeper into all 29 Dorchester County elections voters have a voice in this year.
Am i registered?
Checking takes about a minute.
Do it even if you’ve voted here for years. South Carolina has moved a large number of registered voters to inactive status through its address-confirmation process. Inactive voters are still eligible to vote — but it’s far better to find out now than at the polls.
If you’ve moved, changed your name, or anything in your record looks wrong, update it before the deadline.
Registration deadlines
October 2, 5:00 p.m.
in person
October 4, 11:59 p.m.
online
October 5
by mail, postmarked
South Carolina has no same-day registration. Miss these dates and you cannot vote in this election.
Three ways to vote
Early Voting
By mail (absentee)
Election Day
WHEN
Oct 19–31, Mon–Sat, 8:30am–6:00pm Closed Sunday Oct 25
Apply by Oct 23, 5:00pm. Your completed ballot must be received by 7:00pm Nov 3
Nov 3, 7:00am–7:00pm
WHO
Any registered voter. No excuse needed.
Only voters with a qualifying reason.
Any registered voter.
WHERE
Any early voting center in Dorchester County (See below).
—
Your assigned precinct only.
WATCH OUT
—
Your ballot needs a witness signature, and it must arrive by 7:00pm — a postmark is not enough. South Carolina has no process for fixing a rejected mail ballot.
Confirm your polling place. Several in Dorchester County have changed.
Early Voting
By mail (absentee)
Election Day
WHEN
Oct 19–31, Mon–Sat, 8:30am–6:00pm Closed Sunday Oct 25
Apply by Oct 23, 5:00pm. Your completed ballot must be received by 7:00pm Nov 3
Nov 3, 7:00am–7:00pm
WHO
Any registered voter. No excuse needed.
Only voters with a qualifying reason.
Any registered voter.
WHERE
Any early voting center in Dorchester County (See below).
—
Your assigned precinct only.
WATCH OUT
—
Your ballot needs a witness signature, and it must arrive by 7:00pm — a postmark is not enough. South Carolina has no process for fixing a rejected mail ballot.
Confirm your polling place. Several in Dorchester County have changed.
Early Voting
WHEN
Oct 19–31, Mon–Sat, 8:30am–6:00pm Closed Sunday Oct 25
WHO
Any registered voter. No excuse needed.
WHERE
Any early voting center in Dorchester County (See below).
By mail (absentee)
WHEN
Apply by Oct 23, 5:00pm. Your completed ballot must be received by 7:00pm Nov 3
WHO
Only voters with a qualifying reason.
Your ballot needs a witness signature, and it must arrive by 7:00pm — a postmark is not enough. South Carolina has no process for fixing a rejected mail ballot.
Election Day
WHEN
Nov 3, 7:00am–7:00pm
WHO
Any registered voter.
WHERE
Your assigned precinct only.
WATCH OUT
Confirm your polling place. Several in Dorchester County have changed.
Protect your vote by voting early!
Voting early, in-person is THE best way to be sure your vote is counted in this critical election. If you need a ride, contact us here.
Protect your vote by voting early!
Voting early, in-person is THE best way to be sure your vote is counted in this critical election. If you need a ride, contact us here.
Photo ID Requirements
Bring one of these photo IDs when you go to vote:
✓ SC drivers license
✓ SC DMV ID card
✓ Federal military ID
✓ US passport or passport card
✓ VA benefits card
✓ SC voter registration card with photo
Student IDs are not accepted.
If you don’t have a photo ID
Get a voter registration card with photo
If you are registered to vote, the Dorchester County Elections Office (open 8:30am–5pm, M–F) will make you a free voter registration card with a photo. Bring your date of birth and the last four digits of your Social Security number. ⚠ You can do this on Election Day.
Can’t get an ID?
Bring your non-photo voter registration card, tell the poll manager, and sign an affidavit explaining the obstacle — illness, a work conflict, no transportation, no birth certificate, family responsibilities, a religious objection to being photographed, or any other reason you find reasonable. You’ll vote a provisional ballot, and it counts unless someone proves your statement false.
Left your ID at home?
Vote a provisional ballot, then show your photo ID at the county elections office before the election is certified — usually the Thursday or Friday after Election Day.
Where do I vote and what’s on my ballot?
ON ELECTION DAY
You must vote at your assigned precinct. Look it up even if you’ve gone to the same place for twenty years — Dorchester County has moved several polling locations recently.
DURING EARLY VOTING
You can use any center in the county. The Dorchester County elections office posts the list.
What’s on my ballot?
Your ballot depends on which districts you live in. Two neighbors on the same street can have different ballots.
Sample ballots aren’t posted yet
The state posts them once the ballot is final, usually in September.
Something’s wrong. Whom do I call?
Start with the poll manager. Most problems — your name missing from the list, a question about your ID — get solved at the table.
If that doesn’t work, ask for a provisional ballot. Don’t leave without voting! A provisional ballot is a real ballot.
If you are in line at 7:00 p.m., stay in line. You have the right to vote.
IF YOU STILL NEED HELP
Dorchester County Voter Registration & Elections
843-563-0132
Election Protection, the nonpartisan national hotline —
866-OUR-VOTE
866-687-8683