News Summary
Beaufort residents should mark June 11 on their calendars as primary election day in South Carolina. Voters can participate in either Democratic or Republican primaries to select candidates for the U.S. House seat. Open primaries allow voters to choose their preferred party, but registration and proper identification are necessary. With key candidates vying for the 1st District seat, it’s an essential time for citizens to engage and make their voices heard. Early voting is also available from May 28 to June 7, ensuring flexibility for voters.
Beaufort, South Carolina Gears Up for Exciting Primaries on June 11!
Hey there, Beaufort! Mark your calendars because June 11 is going to be a big day for voters across South Carolina. Everyone’s buzzing about the upcoming Democratic and Republican primaries, where folks will get to decide who will run for the coveted 1st District seat in Congress! It’s a great time to make your voice heard!
Open Primaries – Choose Your Path!
Here’s some cool news: South Carolina has open primaries, which means you can choose to vote in either the Democratic or Republican primaries. But here’s the catch—you can only pick one! So, think about who you want to support and make your decision wisely.
Who Can Vote?
To participate, you have to be at least 18 years old and have valid voter registration in South Carolina, along with a photo ID. The acceptable documents are:
- S.C. Driver’s License
- S.C. Department of Motor Vehicles ID card
- S.C. Voter’s Registration Card with Photo
- U.S. Passport
- Federal Military ID
Also, don’t forget that your voter registration must be in order at least 30 days before the election. If you’re not quite sure if you’re registered, you can easily check your status at scvotes.gov.
What’s at Stake?
Now, this election is super important because all seven of South Carolina’s U.S. House seats are up for grabs in 2024. The big spotlight is on the primaries for the U.S. House of Representatives District 1 seat, currently held by Republican Rep. Nancy Mace. She’s been around since her election in 2020 and previously served in the South Carolina House from 2018 to 2020.
Meet the Candidates
On the Republican side, Mace will face competition from:
- Catherine Templeton, who is an attorney and former chief of the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control.
- Bill Young, a Marine veteran turned financial advisor with a focus on veterans’ issues.
If you’re leaning towards the Democrats, keep an eye on:
- Mac Deford, a U.S. Coast Guard veteran and local government lawyer.
- Michael B. Moore, a descendant of Beaufort’s own Robert Smalls and the former CEO of the International African American Museum and Glory Foods.
When and Where to Vote?
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on election day, which means you have a solid window to swing by and cast your vote. And don’t stress if you’re in line at 7 p.m.—as long as you’re in line, you can still vote!
If you want to confirm your polling place, local election resources are here to help!
Early Voting and Absentee Ballots
If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, early voting kicked off on May 28 and will run until June 7, with hours from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. Early voting locations include:
- Beaufort County Board of Registrations and Elections Office
- St. Helena Branch Library
Also, remember: absentee ballot applications needed to be in by May 31, and completed ballots must be returned by 7 p.m. on June 11. Keep those deadlines in mind!
Got an Issue? Speak Up!
If you encounter any issues while voting, don’t hesitate to reach out to the poll manager or call the Beaufort County elections office at 843-255-6900. And if you suspect any foul play regarding election fraud, you can report it to the State Law Enforcement Division hotline or via email.
Let’s Make Our Voices Heard!
So, Beaufort, it’s time to roll up those sleeves and get involved. Your vote matters! Let’s show up at the polls and make it count on June 11!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Your Island News: SC Primary Set for Tuesday
- Live 5 News: Beaufort Co. Research Center on Escaped Monkeys
- Your Island News: New USCB Mace Represents the Lowcountry
- Wikipedia: South Carolina Primary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Election
