Voting in SC's Republican primary Saturday? How to check registration, find voting locations

The South Carolina Republican presidential primary is set for Feb. 24 with Palmetto state native and former governor Nikki Haley, former President Donald Trump and equity group CEO Ryan Binkley all on the ballot.

The state operates an open primary system where voters can cast ballots for any of the three potential candidates regardless of party affiliation if they did not vote in South Carolina Democratic Primary earlier this month.

Thus far, Trump has claimed victory in both the Iowa and Nevada caucuses as well as in the New Hampshire primary. Although Haley suffered a loss to "none" in Nevada's primary on Feb. 6, she has given no indication of dropping out as she's toured her home state all month and is still aiming to snag the 50 delegates up for grabs in the Palmetto state on Saturday.

Polls will open Saturday 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. To ensure you are registered to vote, check the website scVOTES.gov for your designated voting location and registry confirmation.

As Republican primary quickly approaches, here are a few things to know ahead of Saturday's election.

Where can I vote on Saturday?

Polling locations throughout Greenville, Spartanburg and Anderson counties can be found by visiting scVOTES.gov or by contacting a local county elections office. Voting locations can also be found on all sample ballots.

Can I vote early in South Carolina's Republican primary?

Yes. To be eligible to vote in the Republican presidential primary election, individuals would have had to register by Jan. 25.

If you are registered and would like to participate in early voting, the deadline to submit an early ballot is Thursday, Feb. 22 between 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. at your local polling location. Early ballot voting locations can be found at scVOTES.gov.

What to do with your absentee ballot

For absentee ballots to count, they must have been received by the county voter registration office by 7 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 3. The voter's oath must be signed and the return envelope witnessed before returning the ballot. The witness must provide an address. It is best to personally deliver your ballot instead of mailing it to ensure it arrives in time. To have an authorized returnee return your ballot, fill out this form. A photo ID will be required when personally returning the absentee ballot.

What do I need to bring to vote Saturday?

• SC Driver's License

• SC Department of Motor Vehicles ID Card (including SC concealed weapons permit)

• SC Voter Registration Card with Photo

• US Passport

• Federal Military ID (includes all Department of Defense Photo IDs and the Department of Veterans Affairs Benefits Card)

Republican primary candidates on the issues

Former President Donald Trump

Former president Trump is opposed to most climate change legislation. During his presidency, he omitted the United States from the Paris Agreement, a global climate initiative that addresses climate change severity, adaptation and finance. President Joe Biden rejoined the agreement when he took office. Trump also supports increasing powers for the police. During his time in office, he signed in 2018 the First Step Act aimed at reducing federal prison populations and criminal justice outcomes.

For more on Former President Donald Trump's key issues, check out USA Today's 2024 Voter Guide.

Election guide: More information on Donald Trump ahead of South Carolina's GOP primary election

Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley

Following her tenure as South Carolina's governor from 2011-2017, Haley ascended to ambassador to the United Nations during the Trump administration. While her campaign promises to exclude expanding Medicaid benefits, her viewpoint on reproductive rights is to "stop demonizing" the controversial topic.

For a full breakdown of Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley's key issues, check USA Today's candidate's campaign information page.

Be Informed: More information on Nikki Haley ahead of South Carolina's GOP primary election

Equity Group CEO Ryan Binkley

Some view Ryan Binkley, 56, as a longshot to represent the GOP on the 2024 election ballot, but his push to gain the Republican party's vote is focused on prioritizing bipartisanship on financial, immigration and health care policy. The Texas native has proposed a seven-year plan to revive the American economy by cutting non-defense spending, and also, aims to build physical barriers and infrastructure to address American immigration.

For more on Equity Group CEO Binkley's key issues, check USA Today's candidate campaign information page.

On the issues: More information on Ryan Binkley ahead of South Carolina's GOP primary election

– A.J. Jackson covers the food & dining scene, along with arts, entertainment and downtown culture for The Greenville News. Contact him by email at ajackson@gannett.com, and follow him on X (formally Twitter) @ajhappened.

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: SC GOP primary: Voting times, where to vote, who's on ballot, rules