S.C. officials predict record turnout

This won't be a surprise to South Carolina voters who waited for several hours today to cast their ballots, but state election officials are projecting the turnout could set a new record.

The current record for voter turnout here was set in 2004, when 1.63 million voters went to the polls. Far more than that are expected to have cast ballots this time.

It's less clear whether the turnout will equal or surpass the 80 percent of all registered voters mark set in 1992. Although that's the state's highest turnout percentage-wise, there were relatively fewer registered voters -only 1.23 million voted then.

Marci Andino, executive director of the South Carolina State Election Commission, said Tuesday evening that 2004 mark would be surpassed. Election officials in Charleston County predicted turnout here could reach 85 percent.

The record turnout is even more impressive because the pool of registered voters is larger than ever before. More than 2.5 million voters are on the books.

"This is a huge testament to the citizens of South Carolina and their ability to come together at this dynamic time," Andino said. "We appreciate their preparation, enthusiasm and patience as they went to the polls and cast their ballots today."

She thanked the more than 20,000 poll workers and election officials across the state.

Reach Robert Behre at 937-5771 or at rbehre@postandcourier.com.