Story perspectives

South Carolina Sets Oct. 4 Voter Registration Deadline

By Drooid · Oct 3, 2026, 2:38 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

South Carolina Sets Deadline

South Carolina election officials set the voter registration deadline for the Nov 3, 2026 general election as Sunday, Oct 4, 2026.
Online registrations must be received by 11:59 p.m. on Oct 4, 2026.
In-person registrations closed at 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct 2, 2026.
Early voting runs Oct 19-Oct 31, 2026.
The ballot features a U.S. Senate race between Republican interim Senator Darline Graham and Democrat Dr. Annie Andrews.

Summary

Democrats Narrow Gap

Democrats have narrowed the voter-registration gap in Alaska, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska and New Hampshire.
Oklahoma law prohibits registration changes within 24 days of the November 3 election.
Kentucky allows 17.5-year-old to pre-register if they will be 18 by Election Day.
Nevada, New Hampshire and states permit same-day registration at polling places on Election Day.
North Dakota does not require voter registration, allowing residents 18+ who have lived there 30 days to vote.

History

Historical Context

The 1993 National Voter Registration Act, signed by President Bill Clinton, required states to offer uniform registration at motor-vehicle offices or on Election Day, exempting six states such as North Dakota. The Federal Election Commission recorded a 1.5 million increase in rolls within two years. By 2026, states like South Carolina and Oklahoma still apply divergent deadlines, prompting renewed legal challenges.

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South Carolina Sets Deadline

South Carolina election officials set the voter registration deadline for the Nov 3, 2026 general election as Sunday, Oct 4, 2026.
Online registrations must be received by 11:59 p.m. on Oct 4, 2026.
In-person registrations closed at 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct 2, 2026.
Early voting runs Oct 19-Oct 31, 2026.
The ballot features a U.S. Senate race between Republican interim Senator Darline Graham and Democrat Dr. Annie Andrews.

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