Beaufort County Voters Embrace Early Voting Amid Throngs of Residents
Hey there, Beaufort County! Excitement is buzzing as early voting is in full swing, and if you haven’t cast your ballot yet, you might want to consider heading to the polls a little later in the day. With lines forming early, savvy voters are discovering that casting your vote in the late afternoon could save you valuable time.
What’s Happening with Early Voting?
From now until November 2, early voting in our fair county is available every day from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday. That’s a solid chunk of time to get your voting done! As of just a few days into the early voting period, we’ve already seen 10% of registered voters in Beaufort County—around 12,600 residents—cast their ballots. Marie Smalls, the director of the board of voter registration and elections for Beaufort County, shared that this turnout is a bit higher than expected.
A Record-Breaking Guess!
Interestingly, South Carolina saw a record-breaking turnout on the opening day of early voting. At the same time, Marie noted that making direct comparisons to past years is tricky since this is only the second chance the state has offered early voting since 2022. Nonetheless, it seems the community is excited to participate!
Best Times to Vote
If you’re planning to head over to the polls, Smalls has some good advice for you. She mentioned that the early morning hours, around 7 to 8 a.m., tend to have the longest lines. But don’t worry! Midday usually offers a breather with shorter wait times. The early afternoon does see a bit of a rush again, but for the least crowded experience, aim for late afternoons, especially between 5 to 6 p.m.—that’s your golden hour!
Polling Locations in Beaufort County
For your convenience, Beaufort County features four early voting centers:
- Beaufort (Main office): 15 John Galt Road, Beaufort, SC 29906
- Bluffton (Bluffton Recreation Center — Gymnasium): 61A Ulmer Road, Bluffton, SC 29910
- Hilton Head (USCB — Hilton Head Campus, Room 115): 1 Sand Shark Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
- St. Helena Branch Library: 6355 Jonathan Francis Senior Road, St. Helena Island, SC 29920
All About Preparation
Before you head out, don’t forget to check your sample ballots and confirm your Election Day polling locations through the MyscVOTES website. And remember, you’ll need to bring a qualifying ID with you to vote. Acceptable options include a South Carolina driver’s license, a motor vehicle ID card, a voter registration card with photo, federal military ID, or a U.S. passport. It’s all about making sure your voting experience goes smoothly!
Integrity Matters
Marie Smalls also emphasized the strict measures in place to prevent voter fraud, assuring residents that local election officials are confident in the integrity of our voting system. It’s great to know that we can trust the process while making our voices heard!
Let’s Get Voting!
So, Beaufort County voters, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time voter, it’s time to take part in shaping our future. Find your polling place, grab your ID, and let your voice be heard! Happy voting!
