S.C. election officials say voter turnout light

Associated Press
Published: June 10, 2008

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) _ As polls closed across the state, South Carolina election officials said turnout for Tuesday’s primary was light but everything ran well.

“It’s encouraging that all precincts operated smoothly today and that no major problems were encountered,” Election Commission executive director Marci Andino said. “The fact that everything proceeded seamlessly today is a true testament to the reliability of South Carolina’s voting technology as well as the diligent efforts of more than 18,000 poll workers and county election officials across the state.”

Election Commission spokesman Chris Whitmire said only minor problems were reported at polling places.

State primary elections over the past decade generally draw less than a quarter of South Carolina’s registered voters, and that seemed as if it would hold true again this year.

Spartanburg County’s largest precinct has 5,000 voters, but only about 10 percent had turned out by mid-afternoon, Whitmire said.

However, a few areas like Dillon County, Marlboro County and Oconee County reported stronger-than-expected turnout because of hotly contested local races, Whitmire said.

The commission received reports of some minor problems. Florence County election chief Steve Love said batteries in three machines had to be replaced, but there were no lines. In Spartanburg, some people voted by paper ballot because the building was locked in the morning.

Officials also said hot temperatures didn’t deter voters. Not all state polling places are air conditioned.