Everything Lowcountry voters need to know before they go to the polls

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) – Voters in the Lowcountry are urged to come to the polls prepared as Tuesday marks Election Day for the anticipated 2024 presidential election.

The South Carolina Election Commission saw record numbers during the early voting period. Over 730,000 early voters were present before Election Day on November 5th.

Voters planning to cast their vote on Tuesday are urged to come prepared to the polls. The State Election Commission explains Campaign material is not permitted within 500 feet of the entrance to the polling place. This includes clothing, brochures, posters and small items such as pins or buttons.

Charleston County Board of Voter Registration and Elections Executive Director Isaac Cramer says the unacceptable materials are intended for current candidates. Cramer says poll workers will remove any campaign material within the 500-foot zone.

“If you're wearing a shirt, they say, 'Wear it inside out,' then you're probably going to the bathroom or back to your car… If you're wearing a hat, we're probably going to ask you you need to go back to your vehicle or the piece.” Put literature away,” says Cramer. “We know people are handing out brochures. We know you may bring a brochure with you, but we simply ask that you put it in your purse, pocket, or bring it back to the vehicle.”

Cramer urges voters to look at their sample ballot before going to the polls. He says and looks at it Sample ballot paper online helps speed up the voting process.

“There's the president, Congress, local elections, constitutional amendment and local district issues on the ballot, and those are just going to take longer for voters to consider,” Cramer said.

Election officials recommend voters be prepared to vote and be aware of any polling location changes. Voters can find their location online at the State Election Commission website.

Voters in Charleston County will see permanent location changes starting on Election Day. Officials say residents received change via notification cards. County board officials say the changes are intended to better serve voters through fewer lines, a faster voter experience and more disability access.

The affected areas are:

• McClellanville (New Wappetaw Presbyterian Church) has moved to Lincoln High School, 714 Lincoln Road, McClellanville, SC 29458.
• Mt. Pleasant 3 (Mt. Pleasant National Guard Armory) has moved to the Hilton Garden Inn, 300 Wingo Way, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464.
• Mt. Pleasant 16 (Mt. Pleasant National Guard Armory) has moved to Mt. Pleasant Fire Department Station 3, 355 7th Avenue, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464.
• Mt. Pleasant 15 (Mt. Pleasant National Guard Armory) has moved to the Mt. Pleasant Library, 1133 Mathis Ferry Road, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464.
• Mt. Pleasant 1 (Alhambra Hall) and Mt. Pleasant 9 (Moultrie Middle School) have moved to St. Andrew's Mt. Pleasant, 440 Whilden Street, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464.
• Mt. Pleasant 11, 12 (Mamie P. Whitesides Elementary School) have moved to Doubletree by Hilton Mt. Pleasant, 1330 Stuart Engals Boulevard, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464.
• North Charleston 9, 11, 12 (Royal Missionary Baptist Church) have moved to the North Charleston Sports Complex, 1455 Monitor Street, North Charleston, SC 29405.
• North Charleston 8, 14 (Royal Missionary Baptist Church) have moved to the Park Circle Community Building, 4800 Park Circle, North Charleston, SC 29405.
• North Charleston 28 (Trident Technical College) has moved to Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, 7396 Rivers Avenue, North Charleston, SC 29406.
• St. Andrews 10, 14 (Pinecrest Baptist Church) are named after Cynthia Graham Hurd/St. moved away. Andrews Library, 1735 North Woodmere Drive, Charleston, SC 29407.
• St. Paul's 1 (Adams Run Civic Center) has moved to Minnie Hughes Elementary School, 8548 Willtown Road, Hollywood, SC 29449.

Berkeley County voters will also see changes. Voters in Hanahan 3, 5 and Yeamans Club will vote in the Hanahan High School auditorium. Hanahan 4 voters will vote in the high school gym.

County officials say voters affected by the change were notified before this year's election cycle.

Polling stations are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. In order to attend the polls, voters must have a valid photo ID. Election officials say voters are eligible to vote as long as they are in line by 7 p.m

Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.