COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) – South Carolina has extended its voter registration deadline until midnight Monday.

Voter registration was extended due to Hurricane Helene – the first time an extension was granted since Hurricane Matthew in 2018.

The South Carolina State Election Commission said the extra week was necessary.

More than 18,500 additional voters have registered as of Sunday, not counting voters who registered on Monday.

“As American citizens, we should all do our part. If you want to have a say in what happens in the White House, in Congress and in your local districts, you need to get out and vote,” said Terri Bennett, a registered voter in South Carolina.

Early voting begins October 21 and runs from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. for two weeks

• Find out early where you can vote.

“Each county will have at least one, up to seven, early voting centers, depending on how many they feel they need to staff and serve the community,” said TJ Lundeen of the South Carolina State Election Commission.

Poll workers continue to be needed throughout South Carolina, including Aiken and Upstate.

Richland County election officials said nearly 100 poll workers were needed for the Irmo and Chapin precincts, as well as Blythewood and Pontiac.

Lundeen said having an adequate number of poll workers ensures all precincts can be opened and fewer locations need to be consolidated.

“We can deploy more poll workers across the state. “This helps the election day process run even more smoothly than usual, we have more people, reduce the number of lines and make the overall experience a better experience,” Lundeen said.

Lundeen said to prepare for Election Day, make sure you are familiar with the ballot by reviewing the sample ballot in advance.

Richland County voters said they have registered and are encouraging others to do the same.

Annalysse Colasurdo, a student, told WIS: “It is a privilege to have a voice, so we should use it.”

She said the extension would be “beneficial” for those severely affected by Hurricane Helene.

Robert Morris, a South Carolina native who has been registered to vote since he was 18, said, “Go out and vote because that’s the most important thing an American can do.”

Postal voting documents can be requested until October 25th, 5 p.m.

• How to request a postal vote

More questions about voting in South Carolina? Here’s where to go

For all other questions, go to SCVOTES.GOV.

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