With record numbers of new voters and incredible turnout expected, there's the potential for a lot of confusion about the pure mechanics of next Tuesday's election.
This situation is exacerbated by some of the pure drivel being pushed out there in chain emails, so of it no doubt meant to suppress the vote.
The S.C. State Election Commission has provided us with a list of common myths about the election and the facts in every case.
Myth: New regulations require a picture ID as well as a voter registration card for the elections this year, and all the information between the two will have to match.
Truth: You must present one of three items to vote: voter registration card, driver's license, or DMV-issued ID card. If you present a driver's license showing an address different from your address on the voter registration list, the poll manager will ask which address is correct. If the address on the voter registration record is correct, and you simply haven't changed the address on your driver's license, you will be allowed to vote.
Myth: Due to so many people voting and long lines, the election is being extended until Wednesday.
Truth: Election Day is November 4th, 2008. Polling places will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. If you are in line at 7:00 p.m., you will be allowed to vote. Extension of voting hours is extremely rare and can only be ordered by a court of law. In cases where it has occurred, the extension has been for an hour or two, not another day. If voting were ever to be extended, this fact would be widely reported by mainstream news media.
Myth: If you show up to the polls wearing a t-shirt supporting your candidate, you won't be allowed to vote.
Truth: It is true that the display of campaign material is not allowed within 200 feet of any entrance to a polling place on Election Day. This law applies to posters, pamphlets, brochures, signs, buttons, hats, t-shirts, etc. Voters with campaign material will not be turned away, but will be asked to remove the material, cover the material, or otherwise cause the material not to be seen; before being allowed to vote.
Myth: Straight party voting does not apply to President. You must vote for President first before voting straight party, or your vote for President won't count.
Truth: This myth is based on old state law that is no longer in effect. Straight party voting applies to President and all other partisan offices on the ballot. It is not necessary to select President first. It will be very clear on the voting machine when your choice for President is selected. The names will be checked and highlighted. You can also verify your selection on the review screen at the end of your ballot.
Myth: South Carolina has "early voting," meaning anyone can vote early for any reason.
Truth: South Carolina has "absentee voting." You must meet one of 17 reasons for voting absentee. For a complete list of reasons, visit scVOTES.org or call or visit your county voter registration office.
Myth: Absentee votes don't count unless the election is really close.
Truth: Every vote matters, and every vote counts. Absentee ballots are usually the first votes counted on Election Day.
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