Governor Nikki Haley Recognizes September as Voter Education Month;  South Carolina State Election Commission Encourages South Carolina’s 600,000 Eligible Voters to Register by Oct. 6

COLUMBIA, S.C. (Sept. 6, 2012) – The South Carolina State Election Commission today kicked off a month-long effort to encourage South Carolinians to register to vote before Oct. 6 in order to participate in the Nov. 6 General Election or to update voter registration information if they are already registered.

“Voting is the quintessential American way for citizens to participate in our political system and make their voices heard,” said Marci Andino, executive director of the South Carolina State Election Commission. “We are promoting Voter Education Month to urge eligible citizens to register, to remind registered voters to update their registration information, and to help them prepare for Election Day. In South Carolina, every vote matters and every vote counts.”

Governor Nikki Haley has proclaimed September as Voter Education Month, a time in which the State Election Commission will seek to educate all South Carolinians about the state’s voting process and to reach out to the 600,000 unregistered residents who are eligible to vote.  Registered voters are also encouraged to learn more about the candidates and familiarize themselves with a proposed statewide constitutional amendment and any local referendum questions that might be on the ballot.

Click here to view the Governor’s Proclamation.

In preparation for Election Day, the South Carolina State Election Commission reminds voters and eligible unregistered citizens of the following:

• Polls are open 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 6.
• To register to vote in person, visit your county voter registration and elections office and complete an application.
• Registration forms are also available at scVOTES.org. The form should be completed and mailed, faxed or emailed as an attachment to the county voter registration and elections office. Applications sent by U.S. mail must be postmarked on or before Oct. 6.
• Make sure all registration information is current by checking your registration online at scVOTES.org or by calling or visiting your county voter registration office.
• When voting, bring your voter registration card, driver’s license or DMV-issued ID card with you to the polls on Election Day.
• Frequently updated information about voting in South Carolina is available at scvotes.org, on Facebook (facebook.com/scvotes) and on Twitter (twitter.com/scvotes).

“We want to ensure that all eligible citizens have the opportunity to register to vote, participate in fair and impartial elections and, most importantly, to have confidence that their votes count,” Andino said. “As we kick off voter education month in South Carolina, we encourage all eligible voters make their voice heard and their vote count by taking part in this year’s General Election on Nov. 6.”

For media inquiries, contact Chris Whitmire at cwhitmire@elections.sc.gov or (803) 734-9070.