Charleston, South Carolina — On National Voter Registration Day, election officials and community organizations urged citizens around the Lowcountry to ensure their opinions are heard in the next elections.
The nonpartisan goal of National Voter Registration Day is to increase the number of Americans who are registered to vote. It’s an opportunity to connect with voters who may have relocated, changed their name, or never registered at all, according to Haley Oryell, community engagement manager for the Charleston County Board of Elections.
“It’s a day to celebrate democracy and to encourage people to register and prepare to cast their ballots,” Oryell stated.
Volunteers mann registration desks at community centers, libraries, and institutions throughout the day. They claim that in addition to increasing the number of voters, the objective is to remind people that registering to vote is the first step in influencing decisions at the local, state, and federal levels.
“The youth turnout is significantly lower than what we see for older populations, if you’re just looking at the data,” Oryell stated. “I think it’s incredibly important now more than ever that everybody understands the importance of voting.”
Officials are asking everyone to register this year through a brand-new collaboration.
“People who are registered to vote can take advantage of promotions at City Lights, Eastside, and Sky Zone,” Oryell stated.
Though they emphasize that you can register at any time prior to the state’s deadline for the November election, Charleston County authorities say they encourage people to take action.
There are a few deadlines to remember. That is a crucial deadline, as the last day to register to vote online is Sunday, October 5 at 11:59 p.m., Oryell stated. “To cast a ballot in an election in South Carolina, you must be registered to vote 30 days prior to the election.”
There are now about 270,000 registered voters in Charleston County. The anticipated turnout for the municipal elections this fall is between 15 and 20 percent. Since it started in 2012, organizers believe over a million people nationwide have registered on this day.
