BENNETTSVILLE — Early voting for June primaries opened across South Carolina Tuesday with record voter turnout. In Bennettsville, Deputy Director of Elections for Marlboro County Helen Brown reported record numbers already coming in by lunchtime on Tuesday.
Polling stations opened at 8:30 a.m. and operated until 5 p.m. statewide, with the South Carolina Election Commission reporting 32,000 ballots cast as of 1 p.m., and by close of polling, 55,500 ballots cast, making Tuesday the highest single-day total for a statewide primary election in two years.
“Voter turnout today has really been terrific! We have already had 188 registered voters check in,” Brown said, adding, “Normally I’m not even out here but they dragged me out when lines got overwhelming.”
Ethelyn Odom says she has been assisting with local elections for the last five to six years.
“It’s definitely been really busy in comparison to the last three years,” said Odom.
Carol Walls, a supporter and volunteer for District 54 State Representative Jason Luck, agreed with Brown and Odom, saying she too was impressed with turnout.
“I love seeing so many people coming out to vote. I think Jason is doing a great job for the people and I wanted to come out and show my support,” Walls said.
Also at the polling station in Bennettsville was the man himself, Mr. Jason Luck.
“We have had record voter turnout here locally, but also across the state. I hope this sends a clear message to Columbia the people do not appreciate any fiddling with our congressional redistricting,” Luck said.
Representative Luck says he plans to continue focusing on repairing Lake Paul Wallace and the budget, amongst other issues, should he win his bid for re-election. Luck is facing challenge from Marlboro County NAACP President Betty Jo Quick, who could not be reached for a statement prior to print.
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