Early Voting Sees Strong Turnout in Beaufort County
Hello, Beaufort! It’s that time of year again when you hear a lot of talk about elections and voting. But let’s dive into the good news—the early voting period is moving along wonderfully in our scenic county! As of now, around 33,000 residents have already cast their votes in this early voting season. That’s a fantastic showing, don’t you think?
Exciting Numbers to Talk About
Monday wasn’t just any day; it marked the highest number of voters showing up since early voting kicked off last week! With early voting running from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday, it’s a fantastic opportunity for those who may not be able to make it on Election Day itself, which is just around the corner—from October 21 to November 2.
Remarkably, about 26% of registered voters in Beaufort County have already participated. This is super exciting news for all of us who want to see our community engaged in shaping its future! Marie Smalls, our county’s director of voter registration and elections, mentioned that it can be tricky to compare this year’s turnout to prior years since this is just the second time early voting has been offered since 2022. However, she pointed out a trend: “The second week is usually a little higher than the first week, so we’re going to see if that trend continues.” Let’s hope that’s the case!
Statewide Surge
And it’s not just us, folks! Statewide, early voting turnout has already surpassed previous records, with more than 735,000 South Carolinians having voted early. This impressive figure has already topped the complete early voting turnout from the entire 2022 general election. Isn’t that encouraging? It shows that residents really want to make their voices heard!
Optimal Voting Times
If you’re planning to head out and vote, keep in mind that the early voting hours can get pretty busy! The longest lines tend to form from 7 to 8 a.m. If you’re looking for a better time to avoid the hustle and bustle, try heading over during midday—wait times are usually shorter then. However, be aware that as the early afternoon rolls around, lines can pick up again. To beat the crowds, Smalls suggests dropping by between 5 to 6 p.m. if that fits into your schedule.
Where to Vote
For those still figuring out where to cast their votes, Beaufort County has set up four well-located early voting centers. Here they are for your convenience:
- Beaufort (Main office): 15 John Galt Road, Beaufort, SC 29906
- Bluffton (Bluffton Recreation Center — Gymnasium): 61A Ulmer Road, Bluffton, SC 29910
- Hilton Head (USCB — Hilton Head Campus, Room 115): 1 Sand Shark Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
- St. Helena Branch Library: 6355 Jonathan Francis Senior Road, St. Helena Island, SC 29920
Be Prepared!
Before you head out, make sure to check your sample ballots and confirm your Election Day polling location through the MyscVOTES website. And don’t forget to bring a qualifying ID! This could be a South Carolina driver’s license, a motor vehicle ID card, your voter registration card with a photo, a federal military ID, or a U.S. passport. It’s essential to make sure you have everything you need out the door!
Integrity in Voting
One last thing to put your mind at ease—there are strict measures in place to prevent voter fraud. Local election officials are confident in the integrity of our voting system, so you can feel secure when you cast your ballot.
So, if you haven’t already, why not take a break and head to your nearest early voting center? Every vote counts, and your voice matters! Happy voting, Beaufort!
