More than 7,300 Clarendon County voters cast their ballots before the close of early voting Saturday, Oct. 31, as South Carolina surpassed 1 million early votes ahead of Tuesday's general election.
According to the South Carolina State Election Commission, 7,312 Clarendon County voters participated in early voting during the 12-day period that began Oct. 19. Statewide, 1,043,810 early ballots were cast, setting a new record for early voting in a gubernatorial election.
With early voting now closed, voters who have not yet cast their ballots can do so Tuesday, Nov. 3, at their assigned precinct polling places. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and anyone in line when polls close will be allowed to vote.
Clarendon County's highest single-day early voting turnout came Monday, Oct. 19, when 813 ballots were cast. Another 727 voters participated Friday, Oct. 30, while 591 cast ballots on the final day of early voting Saturday.
Turnout during the second week remained steady, with 597 voters participating Monday, Oct. 26, followed by 583 Tuesday, 515 Wednesday and 549 Thursday.
The county's early voting total represents approximately 33.5% of its 21,842 registered voters, according to the voter registration demographics report provided for the election. That figure does not include absentee ballots or votes to be cast on Election Day.
Absentee voting also continued ahead of Tuesday's election. State Election Commission figures dated Nov. 2 show that 296 absentee ballots had been issued in Clarendon County, with 240 returned.
South Carolina surpassed its previous gubernatorial early voting record of 561,563 ballots, set during the 2022 general election. The state's all-time early voting record remains 1,471,663 ballots, set during the 2024 presidential election.
The State Election Commission reminds voters that Election Day polling locations may differ from early voting centers. Clarendon County residents must vote at their assigned precinct polling place rather than the early voting location used during the past two weeks.
Voters are encouraged to confirm their polling locations and review their sample ballots at scVOTES.gov before heading to the polls. Polling places may have changed since voter registration cards were issued.
South Carolina requires voters to present an acceptable photo ID when checking in. Accepted forms include a South Carolina driver's license, state Department of Motor Vehicles identification card, voter registration card with photo, federal military ID or U.S. passport.
Voters who forget their photo ID may cast a provisional ballot that will count if they present their identification to their county voter registration office before the election is certified. Those who face a reasonable impediment to obtaining photo identification may qualify for a separate provisional voting process.
Voters who still have absentee ballots must return them to their county voter registration office by 7 p.m. Tuesday. Ballots cannot be returned to Election Day polling places.
The State Election Commission advises voters to deliver outstanding absentee ballots in person rather than risk delays through the mail. Absentee voters must sign the voter's oath and have their signature witnessed, with the witness providing an address on the return envelope.
Unofficial election results will begin appearing after polls close Tuesday at scVOTES.gov.
Additional information, including polling locations, sample ballots, identification requirements and election results, is available at scVOTES.gov.
