High Early Voting Turnout in Beaufort County, SC
Beaufort County, South Carolina, is buzzing with excitement as voters flock to the polls in droves. With early voting in full swing, it’s hard to miss the palpable energy surrounding this year’s election. In fact, the scene at one early voting location on Monday morning was so busy that it took nearly a whole minute to walk the length of the line. Now that’s what you call a turnout!
Record Numbers Rolling In
The Director of the Board of Voter Registration and Elections in Beaufort County, Marie Smalls, was on hand to witness the impressive turnout. She shared with us that Monday alone saw a record turnout, and she is optimistic that this trend will continue, not just in South Carolina but also across the country. The excitement in her voice was infectious as she drew comparisons to the remarkable voter participation during the 2008 elections, where a staggering 76% of registered voters in South Carolina cast their ballots. That’s the highest number we’ve seen since 1998!
Early Birds Get the Worm
Voters arrived as early as 7:30 a.m., ready to make their voices heard. Some were so enthusiastic that they even beat the elections director to the office! Marie noted that many folks came prepared, bringing their own chairs and water bottles for the wait. “It was great to see people planning ahead,” she said. It’s clear that this election has a lot of people invested in the outcome.
Among the early voters was Judy Mathews, who shared her experience waiting in line. “It was a lot of folks, it really was, but we held up our two legs and we made it,” she said with a smile. And she wasn’t alone; a total of 4,735 people voted in Beaufort County on just that Monday morning, which represents more than 3% of the registered voters in the area. Talk about a solid show of civic engagement!
Continuing the Momentum
Early voting in Beaufort County is set to continue through Saturday, November 2nd. Poll hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day, with the exception of this Sunday when the polls will be closed. So, if you haven’t gotten around to casting your vote yet, don’t worry! There’s still plenty of time to make your voice heard.
A Shared Sense of Purpose
The undeniable enthusiasm in the air reflects a growing commitment among voters to participate actively in the democratic process. Whether it’s standing in line with friends, discussing ballot measures, or simply enjoying the chance to express their opinions, it’s clear that this election cycle has a special place in the hearts of citizens.
As the days tick down to Election Day, it’s heartwarming to witness the community come together. Voters are showing that they care about their future and the direction of their local and national communities. The numbers will undoubtedly keep climbing, and who knows, we might just see even greater turnout than anticipated!
So, let’s keep the momentum going, Beaufort County! Grab your friends and family and make a plan to vote. Your voice matters, and this is the perfect time to let it be heard!

Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
