NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C.
Exciting news is brewing in North Charleston! The Charleston County Board of Elections is eagerly anticipating a record-breaking turnout for early voting this election season. With voters becoming more engaged and excited to have options, it seems that convenience is the name of the game.
Convenient Voting for Everyone
Issac Cramer, the Executive Director of the Charleston County Board of Elections, shared the good news, stating, “You get to set the time and place you want to cast your ballot. You get to make that decision.” This flexibility allows voters to choose when and where they would like to participate in the election, which is a major perk compared to the traditional single polling place on election day.
Cramer emphasized the importance of early voting: “On election day, you only have one location you go to. So the benefit is you get to pick the time and location.” This means less stress and more freedom for voters to make their voice heard at a time that works best for them.
What You Need to Know Before You Go
Early voting is accessible to everyone, with polling locations open every day from 8:30 AM to 6 PM. If you’re planning to take advantage of this early voting opportunity, Cramer suggests timing your visit wisely. Peak hours are anticipated to be between 10 AM and 2 PM, so if you want to skip the wait, it might be best to vote a bit earlier or later in the day.
Really Ready for a Rush
The board is more than prepared for the expected influx of voters. “We’ve hired practically 20 people per location. We’re fully staffed and fully trained for two weeks,” Cramer noted with confidence. Not only that, but they’ve also secured more equipment than ever before, ensuring a smooth voting experience, even amidst high turnout.
Cramer highlighted another major advantage of early voting: flexibility in staffing and resources. He explained that if one location sees a higher turnout, they can quickly respond and send additional support to accommodate everyone. This is something they simply can’t do on election day with over 104 polling places.
Preparation is Key
Before heading out to vote, election officials remind everyone to get vote ready. This includes checking your sample ballot and ensuring your registration is up to date. “Be vote ready, go to SCvotes and look at your sample and make sure your registration is up to date,” Cramer advised. Don’t forget: you’ll also need to bring a valid photo ID with you when casting your ballot.
Location, Location, Location!
There are several early voting locations scattered throughout Charleston County and the low country, ready and waiting for you to show up and make a difference. If you haven’t checked them out yet, make sure to do so! All the info you need is available, so you can plan your trip accordingly.
Final Thoughts
As we gear up for this election season, the excitement for early voting is palpable. With the chance to vote on your schedule and the assurance of ample resources at polling places, voters are encouraged to get involved and take advantage of this opportunity. So grab your friends and family, head to an early voting location, and make your voice count this election season!
Happy voting, North Charleston!
