OVERVIEW
It's no surprise that our nation's youth now outnumber older voters. Young people have the chance to make their voices heard this election, and become a force to be reckoned with. Millennials and Gen Z have the potential to compose roughly 40% of the 2020 electorate. The same trend is mirrored in the state of South Carolina. Considering the current state of our nation, the Democratic Party cannot and will not remain complacent, even in a historically conservative state. South Carolina is composed of seven congressional districts, and only one out of the seven has a democratic majority. Therefore, South Carolina has only voted blue in a presidential election twice since 1960. Despite this history, South Carolina has a real shot at flipping blue in November. Rising political enthusiasm among young voters paired with a growing disapproval of the Trump administration's attacks on people of color is starting to shift South Carolina's political culture. Both of these trends combine to produce an impending tidal wave of voter turnout.
The current forecasts are made with models using voter trends from previous elections. If we can increase voter turnout in 2020, we will have an opportunity to shock the world and turn South Carolina blue.
According to the United States Census, 26.6% of South Carolina votes are from Black voters and 5.8% from Latino voters. The Black vote and Latino vote compose roughly 33% of the South Carolina vote, however, only 30% of this number of Black others and Latino voters participated in the past election. Now, with the current state of our nation, it is critical that the entirety of Black and Latino voters show up in support for the Democratic Party. The primaries revealed the power of the Black vote with over 60% of the Democratic party in South Carolina composed of black voters. An analysis of the primaries conducted by Winthrop University revealed that there was a 10% increase of voters who were inspired by the policies and inequalities that affect them and their families.
THE YOUTH VOTE IS CRITICAL
A study from Tufts University shows that 1 in every 9 votes in South Carolina is cast by a young voter. However, in the 2018 primaries, 28% of all eligible young voters cast votes. These votes accounted for only 8% of all primary votes. The young voter participation in the South Carolina 2018 primaries was very encouraging, as 28% was the highest turnout percentage in decades. With the young vote delivering promising data, and support for democratic candidates increasing amongst the 18-29 age group, we urge all young voters to register, vote, and encourage their friends to do so as well.
In order to have the maximum amount of democratic votes for the state, the democratic party needs to continue the upward trend of voter turnout because every eligible Black vote, Latino vote, and young vote will have an impact in this election.
IMPORTANT VOTING INFORMATION FOR SOUTH CAROLINA
In order to enact change in South Carolina, voters must be aware of these important deadlines. South Carolinians must register in person by October 2nd. However, the deadline to register online is October 4th, and October 5th if you plan to register by mail. If you plan to vote by mail, only ballots received prior to November 3rd will be counted. With the USPS in its current state, many sources say that the vote by mail safe deadline is by OCTOBER 20th!
Additionally, there will be some changes made to how the 2020 election is conducted in South Carolina. For the first time, South Carolina voters will receive a paper ballot to insert into the ballot device. This paper ballot can be scanned and inserted into a locked ballot box and can be used for audits or recounts if needed.
All voters are eligible to vote by absentee ballot! Those who apply to vote absentee by mail will receive a return envelope with prepaid postage.
For further information regarding polling place hours, polling place locators, and to double-check critical information, visit www.vote411.org/south-carolina. We are counting on your vote. Get informed, register, and please exercise your right to vote on November 3rd!
For the latest on voting in South Carolina or in any other state in the US, FiveThirtyEight has clear and accessible info.
UPDATE
Some big and exciting news was just released! South Carolina passed NO EXCUSE absentee balloting just a couple of days ago. It applies to everybody registered to vote in the State and it is in effect for this November's election. Additionally, there is no witness requirement for dropping your absentee in a ballot collection box. This is the most effective way to remain COVID safe throughout the election and to ensure maximum participation from voters!
Here are some more details about specifics and requirements for South Carolina’s no excuse absentee ballot rules:
How to Vote Absentee in the Nov. 2020 Election in South Carolina
In Person
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Begins no later than Monday, October 5.
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Ends 5:00 p.m., Monday, November 2.
Step 2: Complete an application.
Step 3. Cast your ballot.
By Mail
Step 1: Get your application (available now).
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Return by mail, email, fax or personal delivery.
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Return as soon as possible and no later than 5:00 p.m., Saturday, October 24.
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An Authorized Representative must return the application by 5:00 p.m., Friday, October 30 (see Authorized Representative below).
Step 3: Receive your absentee ballot in the mail.
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Be sure to sign the voter's oath and have your signature witnessed.
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Return your ballot either by mail, personal delivery or authorized returnee (see Authorized Returnee below)
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Your ballot must be received by 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3.
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If returning your ballot by mail, mail it as soon as possible, preferably a week before election day, to help ensure timely delivery.
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You can check the status of your absentee ballot at scVOTES.gov.
Authorized Representative
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An Authorized Representative (Representative) is a registered voter who acts on behalf of a voter who is unable to go to the polls because of either:
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An illness or disability resulting in the voter’s confinement in a hospital, sanatorium, nursing home, or place of residence; or
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A handicap rendering the voter unable to vote at his polling place due to existing architectural barriers that deny him physical access to the polling places, voting booth, or voting apparatus or machinery.
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Candidates and paid campaign workers may not serve as a Representative except for immediate family members.
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A Representative must complete the Authorized Representative form.
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A Representative may:
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Request a voter’s application.
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Return the application through 5:00 p.m., Friday, October 30.
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The ballot will be mailed to the voter.
Authorized Returnee
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An Authorized Returnee (Returnee) is a person who can be authorized by any voter to return the voter’s absentee by mail ballot.
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Candidates and paid campaign workers may not serve as a Returnee except for immediate family members.
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The voter and Returnee must complete the Authorization to Return Absentee Ballot form. The Returnee must present the form when returning the ballot.