Upon receipt of the ballots and envelopes, the county board of voter registration and elections must, as soon as possible, furnish the following items to each person qualified to receive an absentee ballot and who has validly completed a written application for an absentee ballot:
(1) one of each ballot to be used in the election;
(2) printed instructions as to the marking, folding, and return of each ballot and as to the signing (and return) of the oath;
(3) an envelope marked 'Ballot Herein' in which all completed ballots are to be placed;
(4) a return-addressed envelope imprinted on the back with the oath set forth in Section 7-15-385 to be used for the return of the unmarked envelope (and enclosed ballots) to the board of voter registration and elections;
(5) any additional oath, instructions, or information necessary to enable the absentee ballot applicant to execute and return a ballot legally acceptable by the officials charged with conducting the election.
The board of voter registration and elections must record in the record book required by Section 7-15-330 to be kept by the board the date these materials are requested by written application and the date they are issued to the qualified elector. Election materials which are mailed must be sent to the voter's absentee mailing address.
If absentee ballots are not available at the time the voter requests one, the board of voter registration and elections must provide a blank ballot to allow the voter to write in his: (1) selections of candidates; (2) selection of party, if he wishes to vote straight party ticket; and (3) support or opposition of any ballot measure.
HISTORY: 1982 Act No. 280, Section 1, eff February 24, 1982; 1990 Act No. 357, Section 5, eff March 19, 1990; 1996 Act No. 434, Section 23, eff June 4, 1996.
Structure South Carolina Code of Laws
Chapter 15 - Absentee Registration And Voting
Section 7-15-10. Duties of State Election Commission.
Section 7-15-20. Construction.
Section 7-15-110. Persons qualified to register to vote by absentee ballot.
Section 7-15-120. Registration forms.
Section 7-15-200. Furnishing of election materials to persons requesting absentee ballots.
Section 7-15-210. Specifications for return-addressed envelopes.
Section 7-15-220. Signing and witnessing of oath of absentee ballot applicant; exception.
Section 7-15-260. Responsibilities of political parties conducting municipal primary; expenses.
Section 7-15-310. Definitions.
Section 7-15-320. Persons qualified to vote by absentee ballot.
Section 7-15-330. Time of application for absentee ballot; application in person.
Section 7-15-340. Form of application for absentee ballot.
Section 7-15-360. Furnishing ballots and envelopes.
Section 7-15-375. Return envelope for absentee ballot.
Section 7-15-380. Oath of absentee ballot applicant; exception.
Section 7-15-385. Marking ballots; return; storage; penalty for violations.
Section 7-15-390. Absentee balloting in primary and special elections; municipal elections.
Section 7-15-395. Responsibilities of political parties; expenses.
Section 7-15-400. Issuing absentee ballot applications and absentee ballots.
Section 7-15-410. Absentee voting precinct established in each county; location.
Section 7-15-420. Receipt, tabulation, and reporting of absentee ballots.
Section 7-15-440. List of persons issued and who cast absentee ballots.
Section 7-15-450. Application of article.
Section 7-15-600. Short title.
Section 7-15-610. Definitions.
Section 7-15-620. Eligible voters may utilize absentee ballot process.
Section 7-15-630. Application for special write-in absentee ballot; qualifications; issuance.
Section 7-15-640. Application to register to vote.
Section 7-15-650. Absentee instant runoff ballots; instructions; regulations.
Section 7-15-660. Voting precinct assignment.
Section 7-15-670. Declaration by covered voter.
Section 7-15-680. Sending absentee ballot to covered voter.
Section 7-15-690. Duty of State Election Commission; regulations.
Section 7-15-700. Delivery of valid military-overseas ballot; declaration of voter.
Section 7-15-710. Ballot to include signed declaration by voter.
Section 7-15-720. Electronic free-access system.
Section 7-15-740. Preparation of election notices.
Section 7-15-750. Effect of mistakes or omissions in document completion; notarization.