Charleston, South Carolina – Polls closed at 7 p.m. in South Carolina for local races that state election officials believe have a direct impact on residents’ daily lives.
Lower turnout is expected for local races.
Charleston County election officials predict voter turnout to be about 20% this year, with only local races on the ballot and no statewide or federal contests. Even while local races may not receive the same level of attention as presidential elections, Charleston County Board of Elections Executive Director Isaac Cramer believes they are nevertheless important.
“Municipal elections just don’t have the same level of engagement,” Cramer told reporters. “Although not national headlines, these are local issues that influence all of us on a daily basis. Our goal is simply to inform people that there is an election, that there is time to conduct study on the candidates, and that today’s election has an impact on their daily lives.”
Cramer stated that ballots across the county differ by city and district, with several positions up for grabs.
“Across Charleston County, we have many municipalities voting for mayor, for council, we have CPW, which is Commissioner for Public Works, we have watershed commissioners,” Cramer told the crowd. “So there will be a variety of issues on the ballot, but this is really significant to many people in Charleston. You will not see council on your ballot unless you live in an even district. If you live in an odd district, you’ll only see CPW on the ballot.”
Mayoral races in Mount Pleasant, Isle of Palms, Folly Beach, Sullivan’s Island, and Lincolnville are among the most important local elections. Several city and town council positions are also on the ballot in Charleston, Summerville, Goose Creek, and Moncks Corner, as well as a special election for State House District 98. Across Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties, scores of local offices, ranging from water commissioner to council member, are up for election.
According to election officials, because municipal election years are typically quiet, most voting booths are unlikely to be busy. The ideal time to avoid lineups is usually in the early afternoon, avoiding lunch and evening peak hours.
More than 3.35 million people are registered to vote across the state. Charleston County has 272,000 registered voters, Berkeley County has approximately 155,000, and Dorchester County has little less than 105,000.
Greenville County has the most registered voters in the state, with slightly under 341,000, while Allendale County has the fewest, with approximately 4,000.
Voting criteria and accessibility.
Voters who go to the polls today will require a photo ID, but it does not have to be a Real ID used for plane travel. Those who vote absentee must return their ballots to the Charleston County Board of Voter Registration and Elections by 7 p.m.
Absentee ballots must be returned to the Charleston County Board of Voter Registration and Elections before 7 p.m.
All voting stations have accessible parking spaces, entrances, handrails, and walkways. Residents with impairments may obtain assistance during the voting process, but they must notify the poll manager. Voters can assist anyone except their employer, an agent of their employer, or an officer or agent of their union.
Curbside voting is offered to persons with impairments and voters aged 65 and up. Poll managers check the location every 15 minutes to assist anyone who is unable to stand in line.
Polls are open until 7 p.m.
