Debunking Myths About 2012 Election, Voting

With less than a week before the Nov. 6 election, it's important to separate truth from fiction when it comes to voting.

The Pickens County Office of Registrations and Elections has posted a list of myths concerning voting that have been circulating recently, and has debunked them.

The rumors concern absentee voting, straight party voting, the state's voter ID law and more.

Voter ID Law:

 MYTH:  The new photo ID law is in effect, and if you don’t have one, you can’t vote.

TRUTH:  The new photo ID law will NOT be in effect on November 6th.  To vote on November 6th, you must have a S.C. Driver’s License, a S.C. DMV ID card, or a voter registration card.  The new photo ID rules won’t take effect until January 1, 2013.  Even then, there are safeguards in place that allow any voter to vote on Election Day, whether they have a photo ID or not.  For more on the new photo ID law, visit PickensElections.org.

Absentee Voting:

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.  To vote absentee in person, visit your county voter registration and election office.  To vote absentee by mail you need to apply first.  Call our office to have one mailed to you, or download your application at PickensElections.org.

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.

Voter Turnout:

MYTH:  Due to so many people voting and long lines, the election is being extended until Wednesday.

TRUTH:  There are no Election Day extensions.  Election Day is November 6th, 2012.  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.

I Can't Vote Because....

MYTH:  I can’t vote because I’m disabled and need assistance.

TRUTH:  Voters with disabilities and voters who are unable to read or write may vote and may request assistance in the voting booth.    If you need assistance in marking your ballot, ask the poll manager.  You can choose the person you want to assist you as long as they are not your employer or officer of your union or an agent of your employer or union. 

MYTH:     I can’t vote because I will lose my disability check.

TRUTH:    Voting has no effect on a person’s eligibility to receive a disability check.

MYTH:     I can’t vote because I have a disability.

TRUTH:    Voting in S.C. is accessible to all voters.   Electronic voting machines are portable for wheelchair use and audio ballots are available county precincts.  Curbside voting is also available at every precinct for voters with disabilities.  Absentee voting by mail or in person prior to the election is also an option.

MYTH:     People don’t think I can vote because I have an intellectual disability.

TRUTH:    An intellectual disability does not disqualify you from voting.

MYTH:     I can’t vote because I need assistance.

TRUTH:    Voters with disabilities and voters who are unable to read or write may ask for assistance in the voting booth.    If you need assistance in marking your ballot, ask the poll manager.  You can choose the person you want to assist you as long as they are not your employer, an agent of your employer, an officer of your union, or an agent of your union.  

For the complete list of myths, visit the Pickens Election blog.