Introduction

We envision a society where all people, regardless of type or severity of disability can exercise their right to vote independently and privately.

What We Do

We can assist individuals with disabilities who have been discriminated against or denied their right to vote. Staff also work to improve laws, regulations, policies and practices that affect voters with disabilities through litigation and advocacy.

The Four Ways a Person with a Disability Can Vote in South Carolina

People have different abilities and needs for accommodations, so it is important that you understand all your options. Choose the way that is best for you.

In Person on Election Day at Your Polling Place

Go to your assigned polling place on Election Day, sign or place your mark in the poll book, and vote on the machine.

In Person at a Voting Center during Early Voting

South Carolina now has early voting. Any registered voter can visit an early voting center in their county during the early voting period and vote in person like they would at their polling place on Election Day. Voting centers will be open Monday, October 24 – Saturday, November 5 from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. To find a list of locations by county got to scVOTES.gov or contact your county voter registration office.

In Person via Curbside

Voters who are unable to access the polling place or stand in line to vote due to a disability or being age 65 or older may vote in their vehicle. Curbside voting is available on Election Day and during Early Voting. It does not require a disability parking placard. Poll managers monitor the curbside voting area at a minimum of 15-minute intervals. Go to your designated polling place on Election Day, find the curbside voting sign and park in the designated space. When it is your turn to vote, two poll managers will come out to assist you. You will be able to vote on the machine from your car. Unfortunately, other riders who do not have disabilities or are under 65 are not eligible to vote curbside.

Absentee Voting

Absentee Voting allows any registered voters to cast a ballot before Election Day. You can request your absentee ballot as early as January 1 of the election year. First, you must request an application, complete it and send it in. Then a paper ballot will be mailed to you. Then you can return your ballot to your county voter registration office or an early voting center either by mail or personal delivery. https://scvotes.gov/voters/absentee-voting/

Accessibility and Accommodations

All polling places in the US must meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) polling place standards. However, because polling places are not permanent locations accessibility problems are frequently found. Many people find it helpful to be proactive and drive by their polling place before voting to identify any barriers that might exist. You can report accessibility problems to your county election commission or Disability Rights South Carolina.

South Carolina voting machines offer an audio ballot with headset and braille buttons, large fonts, and touch screen. You may bring your own headphones. You are free to bring adaptive equipment such as a signature guide or magnifier with you to the polls. However, most electronic devices will not be allowed into the voting booth.

Voters with disabilities and voters who are blind or unable to read or write may receive assistance in voting. You must inform a poll manager if you require assistance. You may choose anyone to assist in casting your ballot except for your employer, an agent of your employer, or an officer or agent of your union. Poll managers have printed instructions available for voters who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Report Problems

If you have a disability-related voting problem in South Carolina please call Disability Rights South Carolina. We will be glad to see if we can help you. Toll Free: 1-866-275-7273; Email: [email protected]; TTY: 1-866-232-4525

If you have a non-disability related problem voting we suggest you call Election Protection, call 1-866-OUR-VOTE (1-866-687-8683). They are a national, nonpartisan coalition made up of more than 100 local, state and national partners. They work year-round to advance and defend the right to vote.

SC Disability Voting Coalition

DRSC is a proud member of the SC Disability Voting Coalition. This is a non-partisan coalition dedicated to increasing the number of people with disabilities who vote through voter education and improved access to the voting process. The coalition is comprised of more than 40 non-profit and state agencies.