Columbia, South Carolina – Early voting is opening this week across South Carolina, giving registered voters a head start before the statewide primaries on June 9.
Instead of waiting for Election Day, voters may cast ballots at early voting centers in their county through June 9, except Sundays, between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., according to the South Carolina Election Commission.
For in-person voting, residents must bring a valid photo ID. Accepted IDs include a South Carolina driver’s license, a state-issued identification card, a U.S. passport, a military ID or a South Carolina voter registration card with a photo. Voters can also check election details, registration status and sample ballot information through SC Votes.
This year’s ballots include a wide mix of statewide, congressional, legislative and local races. The biggest attention is expected to fall on the Republican primary for governor and South Carolina’s U.S. Senate race, both of which feature crowded fields.
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In the governor’s race, Democrats Jermain Johnson, Mullins McLeod and Billy Webster are running, while Republicans Jacqueline DuBose, Pamela Evette, Joshua Kimbrell, Nancy Mace, Ralph Norman, Rom Reddy and Alan Wilson are seeking their party’s nomination. The Republican primary is especially significant because South Carolina remains a strong GOP state, and Gov. Henry McMaster has already backed Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette as a possible successor.
The U.S. Senate race also brings a long list of candidates. Democrats Annie Andrews and Brandon P. Brown are on the ballot, while Republicans Calvin Cowen, Thomas Keith Dismukes, Kyle Freeman, Lindsey Graham, Pat Herrmann, Mark Lynch, Darius L. Mitchell and Paul Dans are listed in the contest.
In the Pee Dee, the 6th Congressional District race will be closely watched. Democratic incumbent U.S. Rep. James E. “Jim” Clyburn faces Frederick R. Goodwin, while Republicans John Peterson and Maurine Washington are competing for their party’s nomination.
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Several South Carolina House contests add another local layer. In District 54, Democratic incumbent Jason Luck faces Betty Jo Quick. In District 65, Republican incumbent Cody T. Mitchell is challenged by Barbara Arthur. Florence County voters will also see Democratic primaries in Districts 60, 63 and 101, where incumbent Roger K. Kirby faces Cheryl O. Lane and Martin Cunningham.
Local ballots stretch across the region, with county council races in Darlington, Florence, Georgetown, Marion and Marlboro counties, municipal races in Tatum and school board contests in Horry County.
Across the Pee Dee, early voting sites include county election offices, libraries, churches and public buildings in Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Marion and Marlboro counties. The early voting period gives residents more time to study the races and cast ballots before primary day arrives.
