More than 1.79 million South Carolinians had cast ballots by late Tuesday afternoon, setting a new record for participation in a gubernatorial election with more than two hours of voting remaining.
South Carolina surpassed its previous record for the total number of ballots cast in a gubernatorial election Tuesday, Nov. 3, according to the South Carolina State Election Commission.
As of 4:30 p.m., 1,797,335 South Carolinians had voted, representing 52.3% of the state's registered voters. The total exceeded the previous record of 1,726,527 ballots cast in the 2018 gubernatorial election.
The milestone came with more than two hours remaining before polls were scheduled to close, leaving the possibility of another statewide turnout record.
According to the commission, South Carolina's highest percentage turnout in a gubernatorial election was 54.6%, recorded in 2002. With voting continuing until 7 p.m., the state could surpass that mark as well.
The record-breaking participation follows a strong early voting period in South Carolina, where voters had the opportunity to cast ballots ahead of Election Day.
Polls remain open until 7 p.m. Tuesday. Voters who are in line when polls close will still be permitted to cast their ballots.
Residents who have not yet voted can find their assigned polling locations and view sample ballots at SCVotes.gov.
Final turnout figures will not be available until after voting concludes and election results are compiled.
