SC Law Enforcement reminds voters: Understand voting laws, no ballot photos

Laurens County, South Carolina – Ahead of the Tuesday, Nov. 5 General Election, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is reminding voters that taking “Ballot Selfies” is illegal.

The following is a release by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), reminding South Carolina voters that it is unlawful to take a photo of your ballot and share that photo or allow your ballot to be seen.

SLED is encouraging South Carolina voters to not take what is commonly known as a “ballot selfie.”

Pictures of the ballot itself are strictly prohibited in South Carolina.

South Carolina voters are not allowed to use a camera inside the voting booth.

For more information on the South Carolina law specifically prohibiting taking a photo of a ballot, please see below:

SECTION 7-25-100. Allowing ballot to be seen, removing ballot from voting place, improper assistance, and related offenses.
(A) It is unlawful in any election for a voter to:

(1) allow his ballot to be seen by a person, except as provided by law;

(2) take, remove, or attempt to take or remove a ballot from the polling place before the close of the polls;

(3) place a mark upon his ballot by which it may be identified;

(4) take into the election booth a mechanical device to enable him to mark his ballot; or

(5) remain longer than the specified time allowed by law in the booth or compartment after having been notified that his time has expired and requested by a manager to leave the compartment or booth.

(B) It is unlawful for a person to:

(1) interfere with a voter who is inside of the polling place or is marking his ballot;

(2) unduly influence or attempt to influence unduly a voter in the preparation of his ballot;

(3) endeavor to induce a voter to show how he marks or has marked his ballot; or

(4) aid or attempt to aid a voter by means of any mechanical device in marking his ballot.

(C) A person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than one hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than one year.