South Carolina voters turned out in record numbers on the first day of early voting, surpassing the state’s previous one-day early voting record. According to the South Carolina State Election Commission, more than 125,900 people cast their ballots on Monday, October 21, 2024. This breaks the previous record of approximately 70,100 voters set during the General Election in November 2022.
In York County, the turnout was also strong, with over 9,300 residents, representing about 4.8% of the county’s 195,000 registered voters, taking advantage of early voting on the first day. The high turnout reflects increased voter engagement and interest in the upcoming elections.
We are thrilled to see voters embracing the convenience of early voting, and we are anticipating a significant turnout for this election,” said Howie Knapp, Executive Director of the State Election Commission (SEC).
With voting still underway, the SEC is reminding any voter who hasn’t yet voted that they can visit an early center in their county during the early voting period and vote in person like they would at their polling place on election day.
- Dates: Now – Saturday, November 2 (closed Sunday, October 27).
- Times: 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Locations: Check scVOTES.gov or contact your county voter registration office.
- Voters will be asked to present Photo ID when checking in to vote.
Statewide, this surge in early voting is being seen as a sign of growing voter enthusiasm, as citizens across South Carolina take advantage of the convenience offered by early voting options. The new record further highlights the ongoing trend of increasing early voter participation in the state.
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Thomas Hyslip lives in Tega Cay with his wife and daughter. After 27 years in the U.S. Army and Federal Law Enforcement, he retired to pursue his passion for teaching. Tom is now an Assistant Professor of Instruction at the University of South Florida. In 2 short years he has won 10 awards from the South Carolina Press Association, including first place in column writing, education beat reporting and best podcast.
