South Carolina Elections
State Senate4 weeks
Senate District 15 Special Democratic Primary Election
Tuesday, September 1, 2026 · South Carolina
How to Vote
Registration Deadlines
Register to voteOnline
Sunday, August 2, 2026Passed
By Mail
Monday, August 3, 2026Today!
In Person
Friday, July 31, 2026Passed
Voting
Early Voting Starts
Monday, August 17, 20262 weeks
Early Voting Ends
Friday, August 28, 20263 weeks
South Carolina
Contests
2 races on the ballot
StateSpecial Election
State Senator
South Carolina State Senate District 15
2 Candidates
Monika WhiteDemocratic Party
Chad WilliamsDemocratic Party
StateSpecial Election
State Senator
South Carolina State Senate District 15
Candidate (Uncontested)
James BurnsRepublican Party
Voter FAQ
Can I register to vote on Election Day?
No, this election does not offer in-person registration on Election Day.
Can I register to vote online?
South Carolina offers online voter registration.To register online in South Carolina, you need a Social Security number and either a South Carolina driver’s license or a South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) ID. If you don’t have a South Carolina-issued ID, you can still register by mail. Watch this video about online voter registration from the South Carolina State Election Commission.
What are key deadlines for this election?
Registration deadlinesIn-person at local election office:Jul 31Online:Aug 2By mail (postmarked by):Aug 3Absentee ballot deadlinesRequest ballot:Aug 21Voting deadlinesEarly voting:Aug 17 - Aug 28In-person:Sep 1
How do I vote by mail?
South Carolina allows eligible voters to request a mail ballot. All other voters are expected to vote in person. Check to see if you’re eligible to vote by mail on South Carolina's site. How do I get my ballot? Contact your local election office to determine if you are eligible and request a ballot by mail. The deadline to request an absentee ballot is 11 days before election day.What should I do if I don’t get my ballot? If you don’t receive your ballot in the mail, then contact your local election office. How do I return my ballot? Read the instructions carefully on how to mark and return your ballot. You can return your ballot by mail or by visiting a dedicated drop off location. Find a ballot drop off location near you.If you choose to return your ballot by mail, the United States Postal Service (USPS) recommends that voters mail their completed ballots at least one week before the due date. Find a USPS location near you.What do I need to do if I’ve moved? What’s on your ballot depends on where you live, so your voter registration is tied to your exact address. If you’ve moved, you need to re-register with your new address. Watch this video about voting by mail from the South Carolina State Election Commission.
Can I submit voter registration forms in person?
You can complete a voter registration application in person. Contact your local election office for information on when and where to register to vote.Learn more by visiting the South Carolina State Election Commission website or contacting your local election office.
Who can register to vote?
To register in South Carolina you must: be a United States citizenbe at least 18 years old on or before the next electionbe a resident of South Carolina in the county and precinct in which you are registeringclaim the address on your voter registration application as your only legal place of residence and claim no other place as your legal residencenot be under a court order declaring you mentally incompetentnot be confined in any public prison resulting from a conviction of a crimenever have been convicted of a felony or offense against the election laws OR if previously convicted, have served the entire sentence, including probation or parole, or have received a pardon for the conviction
Register to Vote
Check that you're registered to vote on South Carolina's website. If you’re not registered: Register online by Aug 2 at 11:59 p.m. Your by mail registration form must be postmarked by Aug 3.
How do I vote if I'm in the military or live overseas?
Active-duty military, their families, and overseas citizens can register to vote and request their absentee ballot using the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). The FPCA process is done by mail, but your state may offer other options to request and return ballots. Please contact your local election office for more information about delivery and return methods, including email, fax, and state online portals. To follow the FPCA process:Fill out the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), or download a copy. Your local election office may have questions, so please provide an email address or phone number where they can reach you.Send the application to your local election office.It is never too early to submit an FPCA! Please do so as soon as possible.Please fill out and send back your ballot as soon as you receive it.States begin mailing absentee ballots at least 45 days before Election Day. If you haven't received your ballot by 30 days before Election Day, contact your local election office.If your ballot does not arrive after you submit your FPCA, contact your local election office first. Then: You can still vote using the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB). Print, sign, and mail your FWAB to your local election office.If you mail a FWAB and then receive your regular absentee ballot, you should complete and mail your absentee ballot also. Election officials will ensure that only one ballot is counted.The Federal Voting Assistance Program offers additional information on military and overseas voting in South Carolina. You can also call 1-800-438-VOTE (8683) or email vote@fvap.gov