Editor's note: All vote totals and margins reported in this story reflect Clarendon County results only, unless otherwise specified. Statewide election outcomes may differ from the results within the county.
A three-vote margin in Clarendon County's comptroller general race disappeared during the election certification process Friday, Nov. 6, leaving Republican Mike Burkhold and Democrat Tiffany Boozer tied with 6,744 votes each.
The agriculture commissioner race was nearly as close, with Republican Cody Simpson receiving 6,681 votes to Democrat DeShawn Blanding's 6,680, a difference of just one vote. Simpson won the statewide contest.
Those were among the changes confirmed Friday when the Clarendon County Board of Voter Registration and Elections unanimously certified the results of the Nov. 3 general election following a review of provisional ballots, election records and previously uncounted ballots.
The county's official report shows 13,722 ballots cast among 21,280 registered voters, representing a turnout of 64.48%. That is an increase of 11 ballots from the election-night report, which listed 13,711 ballots and a turnout of 64.43%.
Board reviews ballots before certification
Meeting at the county voter registration and elections office in Manning, the board convened as the county Board of Canvassers to review ballots requiring additional consideration before certification.
Randall Curtis, senior area representative with the South Carolina Election Commission, explained that two voters had registered through the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles before the deadline, but their information had not transferred into the county's registration system. After verifying the records with the DMV, staff recommended counting both ballots.
Three additional provisional ballots were approved for voters who had requested absentee ballots but chose to vote in person. Election officials confirmed that none of the original absentee ballots had been returned, allowing the provisional ballots to be counted.
The board also accepted one failsafe ballot from a voter who qualified under state law governing certain address changes, along with four ballots from eligible military and overseas voters that had been prepared for scanning but not yet included in the results.
Other provisional ballots were rejected after staff reviewed voter registration records and the circumstances under which they were cast. Five were rejected because the individuals were not registered in Clarendon County, seven because the voters registered after the deadline and three because they voted in the wrong precinct.
One additional ballot was rejected after officials investigated a voter whose record showed a ballot had already been cast. Staff determined that three individuals with similar names had voted and recommended against counting the additional ballot.
All recommendations were approved unanimously.
Curtis also reported that an emergency ballot omitted from the election-night count had been identified and included in the updated results. Board members reviewed polling place and early voting reconciliation records before certification.
Following the review, Chairman Edward Gamble III asked whether a recount was necessary. None was recommended, and the board unanimously certified the results.
Several races remain close in Clarendon
The official canvass produced small but significant changes in several contests, although the outcomes of the county's contested races remained unchanged.
In the governor's race, Republican Alan Wilson finished with 6,714 votes to Democrat Jermaine Johnson's 6,704, narrowing the local margin from 13 votes to 10.
Republican David Stumbo received 6,783 votes to Democrat Richard Hricik's 6,736 in the attorney general's race, a difference of 47 votes compared with 50 on election night.
Democratic incumbent Patricia Pringle's lead in the county auditor's race increased slightly, from 144 votes to 147. Pringle received 6,835 votes to Republican Kimberly Herbert's 6,688.
In South Carolina House District 64, Republican Rep. Fawn Pedalino carried Clarendon County with 6,880 votes to Democrat Michele Demery's 6,680, a margin of 200 votes. Demery nevertheless won the districtwide contest after carrying the Sumter County portion of the district.
Other close county results included the state treasurer's race, where Republican Curtis Loftis defeated Democrat Vincent Coe locally by 116 votes, and the secretary of state's race, where Republican Mark Hammond received 185 more votes than Democrat Jason Belton.
Democrat Sylvia Wright carried Clarendon County in the superintendent of education race by 162 votes over Republican Ellen Weaver.
Straight-party voting favored Democrats, with 5,301 Democratic straight-party ballots compared with 4,019 Republican straight-party ballots.
The certified results conclude Clarendon County's canvassing process for the Nov. 3 general election.
What are provisional and emergency ballots?
A provisional ballot allows a person to vote when election officials cannot immediately verify eligibility. The ballot is kept separate until election officials investigate the circumstances, and the county Board of Canvassers determines whether it can legally be counted.
A failsafe ballot is available to certain registered voters who have moved without updating their address. Depending on their circumstances, they may be eligible to cast a full or limited ballot under South Carolina law.
An emergency ballot is a backup paper ballot used when regular voting equipment or procedures cannot be used. Once normal processing is available, eligible emergency ballots are scanned and included in the election totals.
