Key Highlights
- Election Day is on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.
- Voters in South Carolina and North Carolina can find their polling locations by entering their information online.
- In South Carolina, voters need to bring at least one of the following forms of identification: SC Driver’s License, SC Department of Motor Vehicles ID Card, SC Voter Registration Card with Photo, US Passport, or Federal Military ID.
- In North Carolina, photo ID is required when voting; however, a form can be filled out for those unable to provide it.
Election Day in the Carolinas: Guidelines and Reminders
The upcoming election on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, marks an important day for voters across South Carolina and North Carolina. As Election Day approaches, it’s crucial to be well-prepared and informed about the voting process.
Where to Vote: Polling Locations
To ensure a smooth voting experience, both states provide online resources where you can look up your polling location. By entering your address or personal information on their respective websites, voters in South Carolina and North Carolina can easily locate where they need to cast their ballots.
What to Bring: Identification Requirements
In South Carolina, a variety of identification options are accepted at the polls. You must bring one of the following forms of identification:
- SC Driver’s License
- SC Department of Motor Vehicles ID Card (including SC Concealed Weapons Permit)
- SC Voter Registration Card with Photo
- US Passport
- Federal Military ID
In North Carolina, voters are required to show a photo ID when voting. However, if you’re unable to present one, you can fill out an ID Exception Form.
This form is available for absentee-by-mail voters who forget their photo ID or those who haven’t registered within the last 90 days of the election.
Acceptable forms of identification in North Carolina include:
- North Carolina driver’s license
- State ID from the NCDMV, also called “non-operator ID”
- Driver’s license or non-driver ID from another state, District of Columbia, or U.S. territory (if registered within 90 days)
- U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport card
- North Carolina voter photo ID card issued by a county board of elections
- College or university student photo ID approved by the State Board of Elections
- State or local government or charter school employee photo ID approved by the State Board of Elections
- Military or veterans ID card with photo issued by the U.S. government
- Tribal enrollment card with photo issued by a tribe recognized by the State of North Carolina or the federal government
- ID card with photo issued by an agency of the U.S. government or the State of North Carolina for a public assistance program
It’s important to note that minor children under 18 can accompany voters in the voting booth, but no campaigning is allowed inside polling locations.
Additional Reminders: Absentee Voting and Polling Hours
Absentee ballots must be returned by mail or delivery on Election Day before 7:00 p.m. This ensures that your vote counts towards the final tally. Additionally, early voting has concluded with more than 31,000 participants in South Carolina.
Polling hours vary slightly between states:
- South Carolina: Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- North Carolina: Polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Exit polls, which are legal and voluntary for participants, will be conducted to gather insights on voter sentiment after the polls close.
Conclusion
Election Day is an opportunity for citizens to exercise their right to vote. By following these guidelines and reminders, both South Carolina and North Carolina residents can ensure a smooth voting experience on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. Stay informed and engaged in the democratic process as you help shape the future of your communities.
