South Carolina Early Voting Ends Following Record State Turnout

Early voting for South Carolina’s midterm general election officially ended Saturday evening, capping off a two-week period that saw record turnout across the state and easing the expected crush at the polls for Tuesday’s main event.

Voters streamed into designated polling locations such as Seacoast Church in Mount Pleasant throughout the day Saturday to lock in their ballots before the 6 p.m. closure. The weekend rush followed a Friday in Charleston County, where more than 10,000 ballots were cast in a single day.

Charleston County Turnout

Over the entire two-week early voting window, more than 89,000 people cast ballots in Charleston County alone. That final tally eclipsed the county’s 2024 total by 20,000 ballots. Local election data indicated that the surge was driven in part by a strong turnout among voters under 44.

Because Saturday also coincided with Halloween, several polling stations featured election workers greeting voters who arrived in festive costumes. Beyond the holiday atmosphere, practical considerations drove the steady traffic.

“Tuesday is going to be madness,” voter Matthew Moore said. “You don’t have to wait for your lunch line or, you know, your lunch break or anything like that. I voted early so I don’t have to stand in line Tuesday, mainly. And vote my concerns.”

Work Schedules and Civic Duty Drive the Weekend Rush

For many residents, navigating rigid weekday work hours made Saturday’s final window essential. Eric Pettis, who brought his daughter along to the Mount Pleasant polling site, pointed to the demands of a standard work week as a primary factor in his decision to skip the Tuesday rush.

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“I mean, during the week, it’s busy when you work, and it’s a chance to cast your vote early, so you can avoid the crowds and just make sure it’s done,” Pettis said. He added that the trip served as a practical civics lesson for his child. “On our way over here, I was explaining to my daughter that people have fought and died for this right to vote, so it’s very important to let our voices be heard for the people that are in charge over our country and our state.”

Other voters emphasized the sheer weight of the decision. Emily Peoples said she participated because “your vote matters,” while Elizabeth McNaughton expressed gratitude that the state offered expanded access before Election Day. “Well, I think this election is important, and I really appreciate the early voting being an option for our community,” McNaughton said.

What Comes Next for Election Day

With early voting now concluded, attention shifts entirely to Tuesday’s general election. Voters who chose to wait until Election Day will be able to cast their ballots at their assigned polling locations from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Voters are reminded to bring a valid photo ID and to verify their specific polling location before heading out. For those utilizing absentee ballots, the deadline to return those completed documents to the county election office is 7 p.m. on Tuesday.