Early voting opens Aug. 5 for U.S. Senate special primary; two Laurens County precincts temporarily relocated
August 2, 2026
Early voting for South Carolina’s special Republican primary for U.S. Senate runs Wednesday through Friday, Aug. 5-7, ahead of the statewide special primary on Tuesday, Aug. 11.
If a runoff is necessary, early voting for that election will be held Aug. 19-21, with the statewide special primary runoff set for Tuesday, Aug. 25.
Voters should note that participation in the June 2026 primaries affects eligibility in this election. Voters who cast a ballot in the June 2026 Democratic Primary are not eligible to vote in the Aug. 11 special Republican primary or in any necessary runoff. Voters who cast a ballot in the June 2026 Republican Primary, and voters who did not vote in either June primary, are eligible to participate.
Nine Republican candidates are certified for the ballot. The filing period drew 12 candidates, three of whom were not certified. Those appearing on the Aug. 11 ballot are:
- Duke Buckner
- U.S. Rep. Russell Fry
- U.S. Sen. Darline Graham
- Mark Lynch
- Mark McBride
- U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman
- Glenda Gail Parker
- Former Gov. Mark Sanford
- Samuel “Sam” Shepherd
The special primary was triggered by the death of U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham on July 11. Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham, the late senator’s sister, to serve in the seat until a successor is elected. The primary winner will face Democrat Annie Andrews in the Nov. 3 general election.
Two Laurens County precincts will vote at temporary locations for these elections because school will be in session.
Ford Elementary School and Hickory Tavern School notified the Laurens County Board of Voter Registration and Elections that they are unable to serve as polling locations for the special primary and any runoff. As a result, the board plans to make the following emergency polling place changes:
Hickory Tavern Precinct voters, who normally vote at Hickory Tavern School, will vote at Chestnut Ridge Baptist Church.
Wattsville Precinct voters, who normally vote at Ford Elementary School, will vote at The Ridge of Laurens.
The changes apply only to the U.S. Senate special Republican primary and, if required, the Republican primary runoff. Election officials anticipate returning to the regular polling locations for future elections.
Voters can confirm their polling place, check their registration status and view a sample ballot at scvotes.gov. Questions about early voting hours and locations may be directed to the local election office.
