What is voting?
One of the foundational principles as a democracy is the ability of every eligible citizen to vote. The right to vote is an American ideal that has been advocated in favor of for decades. Article I Section 4 of the Constitution defines the election process, while the 15th and 24th amendments secure the right to free and fair elections. In this article, we will be discussing how you can become registered to vote, as well as the information you need to make your raptor voting journey a success.
Can I vote?
The right of citizens of the United States, who are eighteen years of age or older, to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of age. The first question to be able to begin your voter journey; can I even vote? In order to vote in the Charleston in 2025 you must be at least 18 years old on or before Tuesday, November 4, 2025. If you were born after November 4th, 2007 than unfortunately you cannot vote this year. If you were born before November 5, 2007, then congratulations, you will be able to vote this year!
Congratulations, you can vote in the United States, but you still need to determine if you can vote in South Carolina. What this means is that you must fit the South Carolina eligibility requirements. You must be a U.S. citizen and currently living in South Carolina. You must also be living in the precinct you wish to vote in, with more information in the “how to vote” section of this article. In order to be considered ineligible to vote, you must have been disqualified from voting via a court order, currently in prison or jail, or serving a sentence including parole and probation and have not received a pardon.
How do I vote and where?
Source: SC Election Commission
If you meet the above requirements and wish to register to vote, there’s a few main ways that you can register. Since South Carolina currently does not have same-day voter registration, the deadline to vote is 30 days before Election Day. This year, the deadline to register will be Sunday, October 5th.
Online: The easiest way to register, and the way I registered to vote was online here. The information you need is your address, social security number, as well as a valid South Carolina driver’s license. If you don’t have a valid SC driver’s license, your best bet is to register in person or via mail.
By mail: If you’re feeling old fashioned and want to send your voter registration in via mail, you can find an attached form to print here. You can return this form by fax, email, or mail the form to this address: 4340 Corporate Rd, North Charleston, SC 29405. If you do not have a valid I.D. you can provide a utility bill, paycheck, bank statement, or government document that shows your proof of address in Charleston County.
In Person: To register in person in Charleston County, you must visit the Charleston County Board of Voter Registration and Elections. There office is located at 4340 Corporate Rd, North Charleston, SC 29405. This office is about a 15-20 minute drive from Academic Magnet High School and is open Monday-Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.
Super Secret Registration Method (shhh): If none of these registration methods appeal to you, there is another exciting method to register. The Charleston County Board of Voter Registration and Elections has a program called the Voter Ambassador Program which two other students from Magnet and I are fortunate enough to serve on. We received materials from the Board, and are able to provide voter registration forms, and answer a few questions about voting. 
Voting in College: When you matriculate to the college of your choice, you have two options when it comes to voting. If you stay in-state, then your voting process remains relatively the same, with only your residency changing to your college.
Why should I vote?
Voting is one of the most important things any American citizen can do. The right to vote has been advocated for by civil rights groups for decades, and we are so fortunate to have the ability to exercise that right during every election cycle. It makes your voice heard and allows you to select the candidates you believe best represent you. Your vote truly does matter, and it is one of the greatest forms of participation not just in your community, but in your country at large.
