South Carolina Voter Registration Deadline Extension Request

Lawsuit filed by South Carolina Democratic Party (SCDP) against South Carolina State Elections Commission Executive Director Howard Knapp requesting a 10-day extension to the state’s deadline for voter registration following Hurricane Helene. The plaintiff alleges that  county offices are closed due to the flooding and destruction caused by Hurricane Helene, and many residents are without electricity, internet access and cellular service. It argues that extending the deadline for voter registration after a natural disaster is necessary to protect the right to vote, as South Carolina previously did in October 2018 following Hurricane Florence. The plaintiff asks the court to order Knapp to extend the deadline to register in person, online or by mail to Oct. 14 and take any steps necessary to ensure the new deadline is properly implemented and the public is made aware of it.

SCDP filed its complaint on Oct. 3, 2024. A hearing was held on Oct. 4, 2024. 

STATUS: On Oct. 4, a trial judge granted the request to extend the voter registration deadline. The deadline to register to vote in South Carolina is now Oct. 14.

Last updated: October 4, 2024 12:55 pm EST