Columbia, SC, October 21, 2025
News Summary
South Carolina has officially launched early voting, allowing eligible residents to cast ballots prior to the November election. While Richland County sees enthusiastic participation, Lexington County struggles with low turnout. Voting locations are designated and available until the end of October, with specific requirements for voter registration and photo ID. Awareness efforts are underway to boost participation as Election Day approaches.
Columbia, SC – South Carolina kicked off early voting today with polls opened in the Midlands for eligible voters. This initiative allows residents to cast their ballots ahead of the traditional Election Day scheduled for November 4.
In both Richland and Lexington County, voters can only vote early at their respective voter registration offices. In Richland County, the voting location is situated at 2020 Hampton St., Columbia, SC. Voters in this county will have significant local races on their ballots, including elections for the City Mayor and City Council positions in Columbia.
While early voting has begun enthusiastically in Richland County, participation in Lexington County has been slower than expected. As of Monday afternoon, only 44 votes had been cast for early voting in that area. According to local officials, many voters may be unaware that early voting is an option, which could be influencing the low turnout. There are also 13 municipalities in Lexington County with elections on the ballot this year, suggesting that many voters may overlook participating early.
Early voting is available until October 31, and polling hours are set from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. The polling locations will not be open on weekends. To participate, voters must have registered by the deadline of October 5, as late registrations are not allowed. However, those who are eligible for absentee ballots can still use early voting even if they missed absentee voting deadlines.
Voters can verify their registration status by visiting SC Votes. To vote, all participants must bring a photo ID. Alternatives exist for individuals who may forget their ID or do not have one, including a provision for obtaining a free photo ID at county voter registration offices. If individuals cannot provide a photo ID at the time of voting, they can use a provisional ballot, which will allow them to present their ID post-voting to ensure their ballot is counted.
Where to Vote Early
- Richland County: 2020 Hampton St., Columbia, SC
- Lexington County: 605 West Main Street, Lexington, SC
Officials anticipate that as awareness of early voting increases, turnout numbers may rise. Currently, local voter Guy Johnson has suggested that the presence of major local races could further encourage residents to vote ahead of Election Day.
Election Day Information
On Election Day, polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. All voters are reminded to ensure they have their photo ID to participate successfully in the elections.
Conclusion
As South Carolina embarks on this important civic process, local residents are encouraged to take part in early voting as a convenient and essential way to make their voices heard in upcoming local elections.
FAQ
When does early voting begin and end in South Carolina?
Early voting begins on October 14 and ends on October 31.
Where can I vote early in Richland County?
You can vote early at the Richland County Voter Registration Office located at 2020 Hampton St., Columbia, SC.
What are the early voting hours?
Early voting hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. Polling places are closed on weekends.
Do I need a voter ID to vote?
Yes, voters must present a photo ID to vote. If you do not have an ID, you can still vote using a provisional ballot.
Can I vote early if I missed the absentee ballot deadline?
Yes, if you are eligible for absentee ballots, you can vote early even if you missed the absentee ballot deadlines.
Key Features of Early Voting in South Carolina
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Early Voting Period | October 14 – October 31 |
| Voting Hours | 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (Monday to Friday) |
| Richland County Voting Location | 2020 Hampton St., Columbia, SC |
| Lexington County Voting Location | 605 West Main Street, Lexington, SC |
| Election Day Date | November 4 |
| Election Day Voting Hours | 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. |
| Need for Photo ID | Yes, alternatives exist for those without ID |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Columbia Gears Up for Upcoming Elections
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Keishan Scott Wins House District 50 Special Election
Additional Resources
- WACH: Early Voting Kicks Off in the Midlands
- WIS TV: Guide to Early Voting in 2025 Municipal Elections
- Richland Source: On-Call Service for Elections During Early Voting
- Wikipedia: Early Voting
- Google Search: South Carolina Voter Registration
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
