Beaufort Residents Gear Up for Upcoming Election
As we get closer to Election Day, the city of Beaufort is buzzing with anticipation. Residents are preparing to cast their ballots and make their voices heard in various ways. Whether you prefer to vote in person on Election Day, take advantage of early voting, or cast a ballot by mail, there are options available for everyone.
Early Voting Dates and Locations
Early voting is set to kick off on Monday, October 21, and will run through Saturday, November 2. This is a fantastic opportunity for those who want to avoid the crowds on Election Day. Voters are encouraged to check for updated polling locations and requirements to ensure a hassle-free experience.
There are four early voting centers throughout the county:
- 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
A Season of Record Turnout
Local election officials are preparing for higher-than-normal voter turnout this year. Marie Smalls, the director of the board of voter registration and elections for Beaufort County, stresses the importance of planning ahead. She recommends that residents visit MyscVOTES to view their sample ballots and confirm their voting precincts, especially with new polling locations added for Election Day on November 5.
Before heading to the polls, make sure you have a qualifying ID ready! Acceptable forms of identification include a South Carolina driver’s license, motor vehicle ID card, voter registration card with photo, federal military ID, or a U.S. passport.
What’s on the Ballot?
In addition to the usual races, voters will encounter three key questions on their ballots this year: two local referendum questions from the county council and a statewide constitutional amendment. One of the most significant questions is whether to amend Section 4, Article II of the state constitution regarding voter qualifications. This amendment would state that only U.S. citizens aged eighteen and older, who are registered, are entitled to vote.
Poll Workers Ready for Action
Behind the scenes, poll workers have been gearing up to ensure the election runs smoothly. Newly hired and returning staff are going through thorough training, which includes hands-on experience with voting machines, setting up polling sites, and managing voter check-in. Most of the training took place last week, with a follow-up session scheduled for next week.
To maintain the integrity of the voting process, the county enforces a strict chain of custody for ballots. During early voting, ballots are securely managed by designated staff and kept locked away. Whenever ballots need to be transferred between locations, they are sealed, and only authorized personnel can break those seals upon returning to the central office.
Voter Integrity Matters
Voter fraud is taken extremely seriously in South Carolina. Smalls emphasizes that voting more than once is considered a crime. While she acknowledges that no system is perfect, she feels confident in the measures that are in place to minimize any attempts at fraudulent voting.
The state has also decided against using ballot drop boxes for returning absentee ballots due to concerns over election integrity. When it comes to counting the votes, accuracy is the priority, even if that means taking a little extra time. Smalls assures that as long as voters are in line by 7 p.m. on Election Day, they will be allowed to cast their votes, which may delay the final results.
Important Deadlines to Remember
If you’re planning to vote absentee, don’t forget that the deadline to request a mail-in ballot is October 25 at 5 p.m. After this date, you’ll need to head to the polls in person. And as the big day approaches, Smalls has a simple message for everyone: “Make a plan. Give yourself some time. Make sure you have the proper IDs, and know what’s on the ballot before you go to the polls.”
So, Beaufort residents, get ready! Make those plans, stay informed, and let your voice be heard in the upcoming election!
