Over 735,000 South Carolinians Cast Ballots in First Week of Early Voting

South Carolina voters are setting records in early voting turnout, with over 735,000 ballots already cast during the first week of the early voting period. As of October 26, more South Carolinians have already voted than in the entire 2022 General Election, where approximately 561,600 early ballots were counted. With another week to go before Election Day on November 5, early voting numbers are expected to keep rising.

Early voting began on October 21, and turnout has been consistently strong:

• Monday, October 21: ~126,700 voters
• Tuesday, October 22: ~127,800 voters
• Wednesday, October 23: ~128,800 voters
• Thursday, October 24: ~127,700 voters
• Friday, October 25: ~134,400 voters
• Saturday, October 26: ~90,000 voters

South Carolina Election Commission Executive Director Howie Knapp expressed enthusiasm at the turnout, stating, “We are excited to witness such a strong turnout of early voters making their voices heard. We expect continued record-breaking participation as we enter the second week of early voting.”

Early voting centers remain open for South Carolinians who haven’t cast their ballots yet, with access through Saturday, November 2, from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily. Voters can find their nearest early voting center by visiting scVOTES.govor contacting their local county voter registration office. A Photo ID is required for check-in at all locations.

Early Voting in Laurens County

Laurens County has also seen significant voter turnout, reflecting a statewide trend of early civic engagement. Laurens County residents who wish to vote early can go to the Laurens County Voter Registration and Elections office at 105 Bolt Drive in Laurens, open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. through November 2.

With the state already achieving record turnout and Election Day fast approaching, South Carolina’s early voting numbers highlight an engaged electorate eager to participate in this year’s critical decisions.