The Clarendon County Board of Voter Registration and Elections unanimously approved five polling location changes Monday night that will take effect before the Nov. 3 general election, despite concerns from members of the public about voter notification and accessibility.
The board approved moving the following polling locations:
During public comments, several residents questioned the proposed changes. Chairman Ed Gamble repeatedly emphasized that the board is relocating polling places rather than altering precinct boundaries. "We are moving polling places only. We are not combining precincts," he said.
Among those addressing the board was longtime poll worker Phyllis Way, who raised concerns about conditions at the Paxville Fire Station, including a lack of air conditioning, limited electrical outlets, insufficient tables and the potential for overcrowding if two polling locations operate from the same building.
Way also said the polling place was not opened on time during the June runoff election and described equipment issues that delayed operations.
Gamble acknowledged that if the building was not opened on time, "that's on us," adding that election staff had already inspected the facility, would recheck the air conditioning and make improvements before the November election. Director Robert Adams also said additional equipment and supplies have been ordered to better support poll workers.
Patricia Pringle questioned whether relocating polling places could confuse voters and said she believed thousands of electors would be affected. She urged the board to ensure every voter receives adequate notice before November and expressed concern that the public was not given an opportunity to weigh in before the proposed changes.
Gamble responded that the board plans to notify the county legislative delegation and the South Carolina Election Commission before mailing updated voter registration cards. He said the board also intends to place language on the outside of the envelopes highlighting the polling place changes and will publicize the moves on social media.
Pringle also questioned an apparent discrepancy in absentee ballot reporting from the June 9 primary. Gamble directed Adams to review the matter and provide her with a written response, copied to the board, by July 1.
Before approving the polling location changes, Gamble said the proposed moves were based on the proximity of polling places and the number of registered voters served at each location. Combined voter totals range from 666 to 1,246 registered voters, depending on the site.
In other business, the board approved corrected minutes from an April 27 meeting and, following executive session, unanimously adopted a policy requiring the elections director to provide complete poll worker reimbursement documentation to the full board. Under the revised policy, board members will have 48 hours to raise concerns before board officers authorize payment.
Adams told the board election staff is continuing to review feedback from both the June 9 primary and June 23 runoff while implementing procedural improvements ahead of future elections, including additional equipment, new organizational materials and changes to poll book handling. He also reported turnout exceeded expectations, with more than 6,000 voters participating across the primary and runoff elections.
