High early turnout seen as SC primaries move forward after redistricting effort fails

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - South Carolina voters are heading to the polls as scheduled after a late push to redraw congressional maps collapsed at the State House, easing concerns that the effort could disrupt upcoming primaries.

Despite weeks of uncertainty, state election officials say voting is already breaking records, with early turnout far exceeding expectations ahead of the June primaries.

The failed redistricting proposal had raised fears of voter confusion and delayed elections, but officials with the South Carolina Election Commission confirmed that primary elections will proceed as planned.

“The numbers were astronomical, the largest number we’ve ever seen, and we don’t have a whole lot of history on early voting. It was definitely a record-setting day for a primary,” said Conway Belangia, the Executive Director of the South Carolina Election Commission.

More than 56,000 ballots were cast statewide on the first day of early voting, according to the commission. Richland and Charleston counties led the state in turnout, followed by Greenville, Berkeley and Horry counties.

Belangia said the heightened interest may be tied to both the uncertainty surrounding redistricting and the size of the primary ballot for both major parties.

“I believe the process of potentially changing the congressional districts was a motivating factor,” he said. “It’s also a pretty large ballot for parties.”

With the redistricting effort officially dead, election officials say all key dates are now locked in.

Early voting continues across the state, with primary day set for June 9.

“Nothing is up in the air,” Belangia said. “We don’t have to worry about changes happening in august that will affect that ballot we’ll be able to meet our deadlines without any issues.”

The high turnout drew reactions from both parties. Democrats celebrated the early participation, while Republican leaders acknowledged the political impact of recent events.

Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey, R-Edgefield, said the debate may energize voters, but added that he does not expect long-term national consequences.

“I don’t think where we are now affects our standing at the national level,” Massey said. “But I do think it will affect Republican candidates in South Carolina.”

Democratic Sen. Ed Sutton of Charleston credited voter mobilization efforts for the surge.

“We put out a call over the weekend — South Carolina, show up and do a show of force at the polls,” Sutton said. “And South Carolina responded.”

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