The Charleston County Board of Voter Registration and Elections is reminding voters that recent changes in U.S. Postal Service (USPS) mail processing guidelines may affect when mailed voter registration materials receive an official postmark.
Under clarified USPS operational guidelines, mailings may not necessarily receive a postmark the same day USPS first takes possession of items. Because South Carolina voter registration by mail deadlines are based on the postmark date, this change could impact voters who mail registration forms close to a deadline.
Voter registration applications submitted by mail must be postmarked at least 30 days prior to an election to be eligible. If the deadline falls on a Sunday or a USPS holiday, the postmark deadline is extended to the next day that is not a Sunday or holiday.
To help ensure voter registration materials meet all statutory deadlines, voters are encouraged to take extra precautions when sending time-sensitive election-related documents.
“For voters registering by mail close to a deadline, we strongly recommend visiting a staffed USPS retail location and requesting a manual postmark,” said Isaac Cramer, Executive Director of the Charleston County Board of Voter Registration and Elections. “This free service helps protect voters by ensuring their registration materials are clearly postmarked on the date they are submitted.”
Voters may also choose to mail registration materials as early as possible or explore other available registration options to avoid potential delays. Alternate registration methods include in person, online, through email, or via fax.
Furthermore, citizens are reminded that all absentee ballots must be received by the Charleston County Board of Voter Registration and Elections by 7 p.m. on Election Day, regardless of postmark date.
Full registration guidelines are available at CHSVotes.gov.
Charleston County Elections is responsible for conducting all municipal, state, and federal elections that are held in Charleston County. The department also organizes outreach events with community members that encourage election education and participation.
For more information about Charleston County elections and voter services, or to check your voter registration, visit CHSVotes.gov.