Editor’s Note: On April 4th, our print edition included a story intended to summarize the
March voter registration board meeting. Due to transcription errors, much of the
information was incorrect. The Manning Times apologizes for the discrepancies in key
voting dates and poll worker information. The following story includes the corrected
information.
On March 25th, the Clarendon County Voter Registration and Election Board received a
comprehensive presentation outlining key upcoming elections, voter registration
initiatives, training sessions, facility improvements, and other pertinent updates.
Director of Voter Registration, Christine Harvin, highlighted critical dates for several
elections, including the Manning and Summerton elections, which commenced early
voting on March 18th and concluded on April 2nd.
The presentation underscored the upcoming Summerton and Paxville special elections, slated for May 14th, with early voting scheduled to begin on April 29th for a two-week period. Moreover, the June primary, scheduled for June 11th, will offer early voting from May 28th to June 7th, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Additionally, early voting for the general election, set for November 5th, will take place from October 21st to November 2nd , Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.
Of particular note was the transition in Clarendon County from a school board
appointment system to an elected one, featuring nine districts, to be included on the
November ballot. Voter Registration has maps of the districts and is actively working
with the State Election Commission (SEC) to place voters in each of those districts.
A request for approval of the budget was also made, so that it could be presented to
County Council on April 8th.
Harvin noted that National Poll Manager’s Day is August 1st and the Voter Registration
office was planning events for that day to highlight the need for poll workers. The
director also emphasized the importance of training, highlighting an upcoming primary
workshop for board members on April 15th. As well as the same workshop for directors
and staff that was held on April 8th . Poll management training for the May 14th special
elections will be held April 23rd and 25th. Additional training dates for the June primary
and November election will be announced soon.
Facility improvements were addressed, notably the acquisition of a fully operational lift
to aid in the loading of cages into trucks for transportation.
Other updates included the promotion of Alfreda Langhorne to Deputy Director. Harvin
noted earlier in the meeting that Langhorne recently attended the annual meeting for
South Carolina Association of Registration and Election Officials (SCARE). The meeting
was held from March 5th through the 9th and Langhorne represented Clarendon County on the legislative committee.
Harvin noted that she continues to engage in monthly directors meetings with relevant
stakeholders and Amy Perkins is the new area representative from SEC. Additionally, a
public outreach meeting will be held at the Clarendon County Library on April 18th to
give residents updates on voting changes and discuss upcoming elections.
Lastly, Harvin included paperwork from the SEC regarding the passing of recent
legislation that prohibits guns in election polling places for board members to look over.
The next county Voter Registration and Elections Board meeting will be held April 22nd
at 5:30 p.m.
