More than 319,000 South Carolinians cast ballots during the early voting period for the June 9 primary elections, shattering previous turnout records and far surpassing participation levels seen during the entire 2024 early voting period.
According to the South Carolina State Election Commission, 319,367 voters cast ballots statewide during the nine-day early voting period, which ran from May 26 through June 5. During the first four days alone, 151,670 voters participated, exceeding the total 120,178 voters who cast ballots during all of early voting for the 2024 primaries.
The record-setting turnout began on the first day of early voting May 26, when 56,399 voters cast ballots statewide, setting a new single-day record for a South Carolina primary election.
“This is democracy in action, and we want to make sure every eligible South Carolinian has the opportunity to be part of it,” State Election Commission Executive Director Conway Belangia said in a statement announcing the opening-day turnout.
Clarendon County mirrored the statewide trend, recording 3,046 early voters during the nine-day voting period at the county's lone early voting location, the Clarendon County Voter Registration and Elections Office in Manning.
County officials reported 857 voters on the first day alone, followed by 362 on May 27, 346 on May 28, 274 on May 29, 185 on June 1, 208 on June 2, 181 on June 3, 230 on June 4 and 403 on the final day of early voting June 5.
The local turnout was visible from the opening hours of early voting. Long lines formed outside the CCVRE office on the first day, with dozens of voters waiting before polls opened.
Statewide, Richland County led all counties with 18,882 early voters through the first week, followed by Charleston County with 13,910, Greenville County with 11,712, Horry County with 8,363 and Berkeley County with 7,350.
Belangia said voter participation exceeded 2024 turnout levels every day of the early voting period.
“The record-breaking turnout we witnessed throughout the first week of early voting demonstrates extraordinary voter engagement across South Carolina,” Belangia said. “The enthusiasm we’ve seen across the state has been remarkable, and we look forward to seeing voters continue making their voices heard.”
The surge comes during a closely watched election cycle that includes an open governor's race, contests for statewide constitutional offices, legislative races and congressional primaries. Several races feature crowded candidate fields, increasing the likelihood of June 23 runoffs if no candidate receives a majority of votes.
Interest in this year's elections was also heightened by a recent congressional redistricting proposal that raised questions about the primary calendar before ultimately failing in the Senate.
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday for the June 9 primary. Voters must cast ballots in their assigned precincts on Election Day.
A runoff election, if necessary, will be held June 23.
