Early voting totals hit 25K statewide on day one; Beaufort Co. expects similar turnout from special primary

BEAUFORT COUNTY, S.C. (WTOC) - Election officials in South Carolina saw a surge of voters during the first days of early voting for the U.S. Senate Republican Primary Runoff, with more than 25,000 ballots cast statewide on day one alone.

The high-stakes runoff pits Senator Darline Graham against U.S. Representative Ralph Norman to fill the seat once held by the late Lindsey Graham.

The two candidates emerged as the top vote-getters in the special primary election held two weeks ago.

In Beaufort County, more than 1,000 residents headed to the polls on the first day of early voting.

Local election officials say the initial turnout closely mirrors the participation seen during the special primary, which ultimately drew over 13,000 voters in the county—representing about a 12% voter turnout.

“Based on yesterday’s numbers, I think it’s safe to say that we can expect similar turnout to what we saw two weeks ago,” Director of the Beaufort County Board of Voter Registration and Elections, Jean Felix, said. “Election Day, I think that the understanding or, like I said, assumption is that we’ll have about 12%. So, we will just have to see. Time will tell.”

Simplified Ballot and Polling Place Changes

Election officials believe voter interest remains strong because the scaled-down ballot is much easier for voters to navigate.

While the special primary featured a crowded field of candidates, the runoff has been narrowed to just two names.

“More people potentially could turn out for this election, and the reason for that is because people find it less confusing because there are fewer people on the ballot,” Felix noted.

The race has also intensified in its final days, with Senator Graham and Representative Norman participating in a debate just before early voting centers opened.

While Beaufort County normally operates 86 polling locations, only 68 were utilized during the special primary due to community facilities being previously booked. For the runoff, only a single adjustment has been made to the polling lineup.

“That’s Belfair in Bluffton,” Felix said. “The facilities were not available there, so those voters will be voting at Red Cedar, but other than that, they’re all the same as two weeks ago.”

More than 400 poll workers will be stationed across the county’s remaining locations to assist voters on Election Day.

Looking Ahead to November

The winner of the runoff between Graham and Norman will secure the Republican nomination and advance to the November general election, where they will face Democratic candidate Dr. Annie Andrews.

Early voting for that highly anticipated general election matchup is scheduled to begin in October.

Early voting for the runoff concludes on Friday.

The four early voting centers in Beaufort County will remain open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

They are located at the following locations:

- Main Voter Registration Office in Beaufort

- Bluffton Branch Library

- USCB Hilton Head Island Campus, Room 115

-St. Helena Branch Library

Registered voters can locate their specific polling places and check their registration status here.