Exciting Election Season in Beaufort County
As residents of Beaufort County get ready to head to the polls for the upcoming election, there’s a buzz in the air. Voters have several ways to make their voices heard this year, whether they choose to cast their ballots in person on Election Day, take advantage of early voting, or mail in their votes. With early voting kicking off on Monday, October 21 and running through Saturday, November 2, it’s the perfect opportunity for folks to dive into the voting process.
Early Voting Locations
For those planning to vote early, there are four early voting centers set up across the county. Here’s where you can find them:
- Beaufort: Main office at 15 John Galt Road, Beaufort, SC 29906
- Bluffton: Bluffton Recreation Center — Gymnasium at 61A Ulmer Road, Bluffton, SC 29910
- Hilton Head: USCB — Hilton Head Campus, Room 115 at 1 Sand Shark Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
- St. Helena: St. Helena Branch Library at 6355 Jonathan Francis Senior Road, St. Helena Island, SC 29920
It’s essential for voters to be aware of updated polling locations and requirements to ensure a smooth and secure voting experience. Marie Smalls, the director of the board of voter registration and elections for Beaufort County, urges everyone to plan ahead.
Ensuring a Secure Voting Process
With higher-than-usual voter turnout anticipated this election cycle, Smalls emphasizes the importance of checking your sample ballot at MyscVOTES. Also, keep in mind that several new polling locations will be added for Election Day on November 5. It’s a smart idea to verify your voting precinct on the same website!
When heading to the polls, don’t forget to bring a qualifying ID. Acceptable forms of identification include:
- South Carolina driver’s license
- Motor vehicles ID card
- Voter registration card with photo
- Federal military ID
- U.S. passport
What’s on the Ballot?
This year, in addition to the usual candidates, voters will encounter three key questions on their ballots: two local referendum questions from the county council and a statewide constitutional amendment. One of the ballot questions asks whether to amend the Constitution of this State regarding voter qualifications.
Poll Workers and Voting Security
Poll workers in Beaufort County have been undergoing extensive training to ensure they are ready for the big day. This includes both new and returning workers who receive retraining within 30 days of the election to review how to operate voting machines, set up polling sites, and manage voter check-ins. Smalls mentioned that this crucial training ensures that everything runs smoothly on Election Day.
Beaufort County also has strict measures in place to maintain ballot security throughout the process. Ballots are managed by designated staff, kept secure under lock and key, and sealed when moved between locations. This rigorous chain of custody is designed to prevent any sort of tampering.
As Smalls points out, voter fraud is taken seriously in South Carolina, and regulations are in place to limit the risk. “I think it’s a pretty good system where we have control over how many times a voter can vote,” she noted.
Timing and Results
When it comes to election results, Beaufort County prioritizes accuracy over speed. While officials strive to deliver results promptly, long lines may lead to delays. Fortunately, as long as voters are in line by 7 p.m. on Election Day, they’ll still be able to cast their votes.
Official certification of the results won’t happen until November 8, following a random hand count audit to ensure everything checks out—a practice that has historically confirmed the accuracy of the initial election night results.
Make Your Voting Plan!
If you’re considering voting absentee, don’t wait too long— the deadline to request a mail-in ballot is quickly approaching on October 25 at 5 p.m. After that date, it’s necessary to vote in person.
As we approach the election, Smalls has a final piece of advice for voters: “Make a plan… Give yourself some time. Make sure you have the proper IDs…and know what’s on the ballot before you go to the polls.” This coming election season in Beaufort County is sure to be eventful, and it’s your chance to make a difference!
