Beaufort County Sees Surge in Voter Registration Ahead of Election Day
Beaufort, SC – It’s an exciting time in Beaufort County as the Director of the Board of Voter Registration and Elections, Marie Smalls, has reported a substantial increase in voter registration. Over the past two months, the county has seen record numbers of new voters signing up, and this is largely due to a unique situation that unfolded in South Carolina recently.
Hurricane Helene’s Impact
Following Hurricane Helene, which caused widespread power outages across the state, the registration deadline was extended by a week. Originally set for October 7th, the new deadline allowed voters extra time to get their registration in order until October 14th. This extension proved to be a blessing for many residents eager to make their voices heard.
Record Numbers of New Voters
Thanks to this extension, Smalls shared some remarkable news: “We have around 140,000 registered voters in the county as we approach election day on November 5th, and we’ve had a higher number of new voters sign up than I initially expected,” she said. The response from the community was more than welcomed, as many new voters took advantage of this opportunity to register.
Preparations for Election Day
As election day draws closer, the focus is shifting to the logistics of polling day itself. Smalls has indicated that they are anticipating a voter turnout that could exceed the usual range. “We are expecting turnout to be a bit higher than normal—perhaps around 75% or even 80%,” she added. The office has been busy preparing for the general election since the June primaries, ensuring everything runs smoothly on November 5th.
Training and Staffing Polls
To manage the surge in expected participation, Smalls mentioned that they have been extending hours and training poll workers to ensure everyone is well-prepared. They expect about 1,000 workers to be spread out across the county on election night, all set to assist voters and provide a seamless voting experience.
Don’t Forget Early Voting
If you can’t make it out on election day, don’t worry! Early voting is set to kick off on Monday, October 21st, starting at 8:30 a.m.. This is another fantastic opportunity for residents to cast their votes without the potential crowds on the main voting day. Polling places for early voting will be available throughout the county, so it’s essential to plan ahead.
Finding Your Polling Location
For those wondering where to go on election day or during the early voting period, Smalls reminds everyone to check the website scvotes.gov. This resource provides all the needed information on early voting locations as well as polling sites, ensuring that everyone knows exactly where to go to have their voices heard.
A Lasting Message
With excitement in the air and a bustling office working hard to facilitate the elections, Beaufort County is gearing up for a pivotal moment in the democratic process. It’s heartening to see so many new faces coming out to participate in shaping their community’s future. As they say, ‘Every vote counts!’ So make sure you are ready to make your voice heard!
