For most students on the University of South Carolina campus this fall, 2024 is your first chance to vote in a presidential election. To help with this exciting milestone, here are some resources that can help you get registered on time (if you’re not already registered) and make sure your vote is counted even if you are many states away from home.
As a student, you have a right to register to vote where you live, whether that is your family’s home or where you attend school. You should update your registration when your address changes. And remember, you may be registered and vote in only one location.
USC partners with TurboVote, which is a platform that gives you an easy-to-use space to register to vote, check your registration and connect with additional voting resources and information. TurboVote is free for students to use and can be your one-stop shop to prepare for the election.
USC has also partnered with our home county to provide early voting at the Blatt P.E. Center from Oct. 21 to Nov. 1 for students, faculty and staff who are registered to vote in Richland County, South Carolina.
Check out the Leadership and Service Center civic engagement webpage for more resources on the rules of where you can vote and what documents you need to get registered. You can also learn about events, such as the Dialogue Series, which can help you navigate difficult conversations and turn them into valuable learning experiences. The first Dialogue Series event will be Sept. 17, which is also National Voter Registration Day.
The Southeastern Conference student governments are partnering to challenge 20,000 students across the SEC to register to vote. The initiative will kick off in September and is being led by USC Student Government President Patton Byars.
It's never too early to make your voting plan. Use Vote411’s voting plan to help you prepare.
Remember: There are no classes on Election Day (Nov. 5) so there are no excuses for not voting.
Voter checklist:
- Register or verify a valid prior registration.
- Learn your voting options and locations.
- Research candidates.
- Plan transportation.
- Vote!
South Carolina registration deadlines:
In person: Oct. 4
Online: Oct. 6
By Mail: Oct. 7
If you are planning to vote in another state, you may need to prepare further in advance. Each state has different election laws and deadlines. For more information about your state’s voting laws and procedures, go to Vote411 and select your state.
Keep up with absentee ballot deadlines by entering your address on TurboVote.
More resources
- Check out the U.S. Department of Education student voter toolkit.
- Go to USA.gov to learn about the election process.
- Understand voter accessibility laws.