South Carolina Local Elections Begin as Polls Open at 7 a.m.
South Carolina’s local elections will commence at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, with expectations for low voter turnout. This election includes key mayoral races across several municipalities in the Lowcountry.
Key Mayoral Elections in Lowcountry
Voters will have the opportunity to elect mayors in the following areas:
- Mount Pleasant
- Folly Beach
- Isle of Palms
- Sullivan’s Island
- Lincolnville
Voter Registration Statistics
Over 3.35 million residents are registered to vote in South Carolina. The Tri-County area boasts the following registered voters:
- Charleston County: 272,000
- Berkeley County: 155,000
- Dorchester County: 105,000
Greenville County leads the state with nearly 341,000 registered voters, while Allendale County has the lowest representation with approximately 4,000 voters.
Expectations for Voter Turnout
Election officials anticipate a voter turnout of around 20% for this local election. The lack of statewide or presidential races likely contributes to this lower engagement. Isaac Cramer, the executive director of the Charleston County Board of Elections, noted the significance of municipal elections. He emphasized that local issues directly affect residents’ daily lives.
Voting Requirements and Accessibility
To vote, residents must present a photo ID, although a Real ID is not required. Voters wishing to verify their registration or find polling locations can visit the official voting website.
Absentee ballots must be submitted by 7 p.m. on election day. All polling stations are equipped with accessible features, including parking, doorways, and pathways. Voters with disabilities can request assistance during the voting process but should notify a poll manager for support.
Curbside Voting and Monitoring
Curbside voting is available for individuals with disabilities or those over 65 years old. Poll managers will check the area every 15 minutes to assist anyone unable to stand in line.
Polling Hours
The polling places will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., allowing residents ample time to participate in local governance.
For further details, voters can visit scvotes.gov for polling locations and candidate information.
