Beaufort Co. expecting lower turnout for November election; asks people to still get out and vote

BEAUFORT COUNTY, S.C. (WTOC) - About 140,000 residents are registered to vote in Beaufort County and are ready to cast their ballots in some upcoming municipal elections.

In less than a month, residents in Port Royal, Bluffton, and Yemassee will head to the polls.

All three will be voting for people they want to help lead their towns.

“We are hoping for a 20% turnout of the voters that are registered to vote in those precincts that will have an election on Election Day,” Training and Outreach Coordinator for the Board of Voter Registration and Elections of Beaufort County, Jean Felix, said.

In Port Royal, three candidates are vying for two town council seats, where the two with the highest number of votes will win the spots.

And in Bluffton, two candidates are running for two seats.

While in Yemassee, voters will vote on two town council seats and for mayor.

Felix says even though it is not a presidential election year, people should still make their way to the polls.

“Municipal elections impact your day-to-day lives, so my recommendation to voters is that you vote in every election that you are eligible to and able to,” Felix said.

Officials say that with municipal elections being the only races on the ballots, the voter turnout will probably be lower than last year’s presidential election, but that it will give the 25-30 of their 211 newly trained poll workers a chance at some hands-on experience.

Especially with a gubernatorial election right around the corner.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for those poll workers who live in those areas that have an election kinda get their feet wet and learn what to do before a much busier election next year,” Felix said.

If you are interested in becoming a poll worker for next year’s election, which includes the race for governor, you can apply here,.