Early voting has commenced in South Carolina for the Special Republican Primary runoff election for a U.S. Senate seat. The early voting period spans three days, from Wednesday, August 19th, to Friday, August 21st, with polls open daily from 8:30 AM to 5 PM. Election Day is scheduled for next Tuesday, August 25th.
This marks the third early voting period related to Senator Lindsey Graham’s Senate seat within a few months. Voters are now choosing between two Republican candidates who advanced to the runoff: Senator Darlene Graham and Congressman Ralph Norman, following the Special Primary held earlier this month.
Eligibility rules for this runoff are specific: voters who participated in the June Democratic Primary are not permitted to vote in this Republican runoff. However, those who voted in the June Republican Primary, or did not cast a ballot in either June primary, are eligible to participate. South Carolina residents can vote at any early voting center within their county, provided they present a valid photo ID.
Jean Felix, the Director of the Board of Voter Registration and Elections of Beaufort County, emphasized the importance of voters knowing their polling locations. Felix noted that long lines are not anticipated to be a significant issue, but encouraged voters to confirm their polling place, suggesting SCvotes.gov as a resource for those who are unsure.
Following this runoff election, there will be approximately 60 days before early voting begins for the November general election. The Republican nominee from this runoff will then face Democratic nominee Dr. Annie Andrews for South Carolina’s open Senate seat on November 3rd.