Polls close in South Carolina runoffs

BLUFFTON, S.C. (WTOC) - The polls in South Carolina’s Primary Election runoffs closed at 7 p.m. tune in to WTOC for election night updates.

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South Carolina voters headed to the polls Tuesday, with some saying issues including the economy, wars and public safety were top of mind.

Voters said they did not want to sit out this election because they believe every election is a chance to make their voices heard.

Beaufort County officials said early voting numbers had already exceeded expectations in the runoff.

The ballot includes the Republican runoff for governor and races involving both nominees in South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District.

For some voters, showing up was about making sure their voices were heard before November.

Linda Hall, a voter, said she initially voted one way in the primary but changed her vote in the runoff after attending a meeting over the weekend where candidates were invited to speak. She said hearing directly from one candidate helped her make her choice Tuesday.

“Now I really feel like it’s even more important because I heard someone speak about many issues that are local issues... and I now feel that I have changed my vote,” Hall said.

Debi Incandela, a Bluffton voter, said she researched candidates before heading to the polls and encouraged others in the state to vote.

“Get out there. Try to do a little bit of sleuthing first. There’s so much available that you can look it up. But get out there, okay? And just put your vote in,” Incandela said.

Judy Mason, another Bluffton voter, said she does not think she has ever missed an election. She said she felt compelled to vote in the runoff because she wants a say in changing things she does not agree with.

“I just think it’s my right to do so, and I’m not giving up any more rights,” Mason said. “I hope my candidates that I’m voting for also win. I think it’s so past time for a change. So past time.”

Voters said they were glad to take part in Tuesday’s election and were already looking ahead to the November general election.