South Carolina Begins Early Voting for U.S. Senate Special Primary

Early voting began Wednesday, August 5, for South Carolina's special Republican primary to fill a U.S. Senate seat following the death of Senator Lindsey Graham. Voting centers are operating from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Friday, leading up to the election on August 11. A runoff election may occur on August 25.

Duke Buckner, a Walterboro attorney and former city councilman, is running for the Republican nomination with a platform focused on individual freedoms and housing affordability. The Democratic nominee for the seat is pediatrician Annie Andrews. In response to the vacancy, the grassroots organization Hope Springs from Field PAC has initiated canvassing and organizing efforts to mobilize voters and expand the electorate.

Eligibility for the primary is limited to those who did not participate in the June Democratic primary. Voters must present a valid photo ID to cast their ballots. Absentee ballots must reach county offices by 7 p.m. on August 11, though military and overseas ballots postmarked by Election Day are accepted until August 12.

The state is also managing a vacancy in the 1st Congressional District after Nancy Mace vacated her seat to run for governor. Retired Vice Admiral Nancy S. Lacore is the Democratic nominee for that congressional seat.