Voting in 2020

These posts from our blog share more about the importance of survivors' voices being heard during elections and in local, state and national branches of government. 

• Why I Vote 
• Centering the Voices of Survivors during the Election

Check Your Registration Status: Because voter rolls get purged periodically, you need to check online to see if you are registered. The response is immediate and only requires your name, DOB, and county of registration. Go to www.scvotes.gov: under “Voters” click “Check Your Voter Registration.”

Register to Vote: If you are not registered, then you can Choose any 1 of the 3 options:

1. In person (Deadline Oct. 2nd) at your local voter registration office. If needed, you can request a VoterID picture identification card during the same visit.
2. Online (Deadline Oct. 4th): www.scvotes.gov under “Voters,” click “Register to Vote.”
3. By Mail (Postmarked by Oct. 5th): Download form at www.scvotes.gov under “Voters”, “Register to Vote.”

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ALL registered voters are eligible to vote early by an absentee ballot in the Nov 3rd General Election for a Reason of “State of Emergency.” You may Choose any 1 of the 3 voting options:

1.) Vote Absentee by Mail: This option is does not require picture id. Your ballot can be completed and returned in person to your county voter registration office or mailed from anywhere.

• First, request a ballot (Deadline Oct 24th): You can use a P.O. Box address as your mailing address to receive the ballot. Request your ballot by calling or emailing your county voter registration office. Requests for mail-in ballots can also be made online at www.scvotes.gov .
• Fill Out Ballot: Place the ballot in the "ballot here-in" envelope and place the "ballot here-in" envelope in the return envelope. Be sure to sign the voter's oath and have your signature witnessed. Anyone can witness your signature. A notary is not necessary.
• Return by mail (Received by Nov 3rd) - Return in person (Before Nov. 3rd at 7:00pm) to your county voter registration office

2.) Vote Absentee in Person Before Election Day (Dates and Times Vary by Location): This option requires an active registration and government issued picture ID (if you do not have one of the accepted photo IDs, then you can go to your county voter registration office prior to voting and request a photo VoterID card).

• In Greenville County, early voting is available at County Square (301 University Ridge Greenville 29601) from Oct. 5th - Nov. 2nd from 8:30am – 5:00pm, Monday-Friday. They will also offer some extended hours and open Four Satellite Locations from Oct 12th - Oct. 30th.
• In Anderson County, early voting is available at the county voter registration office on North Main Street in Anderson from Oct. 5th – Nov 2nd. Hours are 8:30am-12:00pm & 1:00pm – 5:00pm, Monday-Friday. They will also open four satellite locations from Oct. 5th – Oct. 8th for early voting (see attached).
• In Oconee County, early voting is available from Oct. 5th – Nov. 2nd from 8:30am – 5:00pm, Monday – Friday at the voter registration office on S. Pine Street in Walhalla.
• In Pickens County, early voting is available from Oct. 5-Nov. 2 from 8:30am-5:00pm, Monday-Friday at the voter registration office at 222 McDaniel Ave. in Pickens.

3. Vote in Person on Election Day (Tues. Nov 3rd): Polling places are open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Election Day. - Polling places sometimes change, so be sure to check the precinct location where you need to vote. Anyone in line at 7:00 p.m. will be allowed to vote. A government issued picture ID and active registration is required (if you do not have one of the accepted photo IDs, then you can go to your county voter registration office prior to election day and request a picture VoterID card). If you run into any snags at the polling place, you can request a provisional ballot. They should have them on site.

Many survivors of domestic violence may have hesitations about voting due to safety concerns related to the abuse and control they are experiencing. These links provide tips for survivors to have access to vote safely: 

• National Network to End Domestic Violence - Voting Safety Considerations 
• NNEDV Tech Safety - Voting and Survivor Privacy

Community leaders and members of Congress receive many letters, emails and phone calls every year. They want to know what is important to their constituents. The following tips are provided to help you organize your thoughts and share your voice on issues that matter to you.

Tips for Calling a Congressional Office or Community Leader

• Do not expect to be able to personally speak to the leader/senator/representative.
• Before calling or emailing, have your message written in front of you and review it carefully so you know exactly what you want to say.
• Identify yourself as a constituent.
• State the purpose of your call/email. Keep the message simple and concise (focus on one issue per call).
• Thank the staffer for taking your call, share safe contact information so they can follow up with you.

Tips on Writing a Letter to a Member of Congress or Community Leader

• Be Direct. State the purpose of writing (e.g., community issue, name/number of bill).
• Identify yourself as a constituent (and, share any relevant information about yourself that relates the subject – for instance, if you’re contacting your school board member, let them know you are a parent with a child who attends a school within the district, etc.).
• Be Constructive. Offer recommendations.
• Be Political. Explain how the issue affects the district/state/country.
• Be Concise. Stick to one issue per letter (avoid "laundry list").
• Be Inquiring. Ask how the member stands on the issue.
• Be Available. Let him/her know that you are available to follow up.
• Be Appreciative. Thank your member for considering your concerns/request.
• There may also be opportunities for you to attend a local meeting (City Council, County Council, committee meeting, etc.) where you can address the topic or issue that matters to you. 

Sample Letter/Email:

Dear [Legislator/Community Leader Name],

My name is _________, and I am a constituent in your district/area. I would like to share my [thoughts/concerns] on [topic/issue you want to discuss]. This issue is important to me because [share a bit about your experience or your reason for interest on the topic/issue]. I feel that you could provide support in addressing this matter by [share how you would like the leader to assist…by supporting a legislative bill? Taking action to change a policy? Improve community systems?]. I would like to hear your thoughts on this topic and would appreciate the opportunity to [speak over the phone, talk with the leader in person, speak at a committee meeting, etc.]. Thank you for your time and consideration, and I look forward to hearing back from you.

Sincerely,

[Your name & safe contact information]

You may also have interest in sharing your voice on specific topics or pieces of legislation that matter to you. Here are some quick links for you to contact your representatives, senators and council members: 

• To find and contact your U.S. Senators: https://www.senate.gov/senators/contact/
• To find and contact your U.S. House Representative: http://www.house.gov/representatives/find/ 
• To find and contact your state (SC) legislators: http://www.scstatehouse.gov/legislatorssearch.php
• To find and contact your County Council member:
• Greenville Co: http://www.greenvillecounty.org/county_council/Members/Member_Information.asp
• Pickens County: http://www.co.pickens.sc.us/council/default.aspx
• Anderson County: http://www.andersoncountysc.org/councilbios
• Oconee County: http://www.oconeesc.com/Council/Officials.aspx