How do I register to vote in Greenville County?

If you are 18 years old, a US Citizen, legal resident of Greenville County, with no felony convictions for which you are currently serving a sentence, and you are not declared mentally incompetent by a court of law, then you can register to vote by presenting proper identification (driver’s license reflecting a local residence address is acceptable) to the Voter Registration Office in Suite 1900 of County Square which is located at 301 University Ridge. It is also possible to register by mail on a form available throughout the County from various civic organizations, political party officials, branch library location, or mailed by Voter Registration. Registration by Mail Forms must be postmarked no later than 30 days prior to the election. A citizen may come into the office up to 30 days before the election in order to vote in that election.

Once a person is registered to vote, they do not have to re-register unless they move or have been convicted of a felony. In these cases, it maybe necessary to start over and register to vote as if a new voter. Duplicate cards are available upon request if one is lost or misplace.

This registration allows you to vote in all elections as determined by your place of residence (Federal, State, County, City, School District, and /or Special Service District). These districts are listed on the stub portion of your voter registration card and can help you determine your representatives. If in doubt, please do not hesitate to call for assistance. Telephone number - 864.467.7250

Do I have to declare a political party when I register to vote? Why can't I vote a split ticket in the primary?

Voters are not registered by political party in South Carolina. On primary election day, the voter may choose a political party with to participate. Once a party choice is made, for that primary election, only one ballot may be voted. The primary is only a nomination process for a political party; whereas the general election a voter may split the ticket among various political parties and candidates of their choice.

If I have moved, do I need to correct my address on my voting card?

If a registered voter moves to another location within Greenville County, the voter must correct his address with the Voter Registration office at least 30 days prior to the election in order to stay eligible to cast his ballot. If a voter moves to another county, or if a voter of another county moves into Greenville, then these people must register to vote as new applicants. Greenville County residents who just relocate within the county need only to place their new address on the back of their card and include their telephone numbers then mail the old card to Voter Registration, 301 University Ridge Suite 1900, Greenville, SC 29601. Upon receipt the change can be made and a new card can be mailed back to the voter. Call 864.467.7250 for more information.

How do I file to be a candidate for office in Greenville County?

First, the potential candidate should contact the political party of choice (New Alliance Party, US Taxpayers Party, Libertarian Party, Republican Party or Democratic Party) and find out which method of nomination is used (Convention or Primary election). Filing for primary election or proper entry into the convention processes begin in early Spring of the year (March or April). Provided that all qualifications are met, then the political parties choose their candidates to represent them on the ballot.

Another way to get on the ballot is by petition. Submission of a petition with 5% of the registered voters signing will get a name on the ballot as a petition candidate.

Due to the complexities surrounding filing for office and other filing requirements, a potential candidate should contact the political party or the Election Office in Suite 1900 of County Square at 301 University Ridge, or call 864.467.7250 for detailed information.

If I am going to be out of town on election day, how do I vote?

"Absentee" voting is available to registered voters who will be out of the county on election day. Also, if a registered voter is unable to go to the polls due to disability or if employment keeps a voter on the job site the entire time the polls are open (7AM until 7PM) and this is verified by the employer, this is a valid reason for absentee voting. Applications for absentee voting can be requested by the voter in person or by phone. Even an immediate family member may request an application be sent to a voter. Once the application is returned by the voter, the ballot will be mailed for voting and then must be returned to the Voting Office no later than the close of polls on election day (7PM) in order to be counted. Persons who are 65 years of age or older may vote by the absentee method if they wish to do so and properly apply. You may call the Voter Registration Office at 864.467.7250 for more information.

 

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