JASPER COUNTY, S.C. (WSAV) - Early voting numbers are continuing to rise across the state of South Carolina – even in more rural locations, like Jasper County. Their two voting locations are seeing an uptick in their voter turnout, showing that, many aren’t waiting until the last minute.
Jeanine Bostick, Director of Elections in Jasper County says, “Right now we are about 6700, a little over about 6700, which is like a 24% out here in Jasper County, which is really good for early voting.”
Bostick says that early voting numbers have taken a big jump from their previous 2022 local election. “Our presidential election, we get a bigger turnout and we're glad the voters are taking it seriously. Coming out and casting their vote,” says Bostick.
Only 5 days in, many county residents are in still enroute to the polls: creating big numbers for their voter turnout. Jasper county residents, Robert Dunham, and his wife, Cynthia Dunham, both made sure to get their vote in early this year.
“It's important just to get ahead of the curve…Voting is a good right. People have fought and died for this privilege,” says Robert. “Therefore, we came early to represent, to let people know just how important it is to get out and vote.”
Steve, Michelle, and Olivia Plenzler, a family living in the county, all came out together to vote. They say the Presidential election really pushed them to get out early. Steve says, “There's a lot on the line. Our country's going in a bad direction. I think we need we need help.” But he also stated, “It’s always important to vote locally to make sure you make your voice heard.”
Cynthia Dunham says, she was also thinking about the upcoming years when filling out her ballot. “I do look at the presidential part of it a little bit higher, simply because my grandchildren, my future is at stake right now. And I think it's really important that we have the right people in place to assure that we have a safe and solid future for years to come.”
Her husband, Robert, added onto her statement, saying, "From the top to the bottom, from the bottom to the top, all of it is important from our highest, from the president down to our local candidate. It will affect our community. It will affect our state. It will affect our home, our pocketbook. It will affect our lives.".
SC voters can change the state constitution with their vote
The last day for early voting is next Saturday – November 2nd. Election day is November 5th – which is the final day to cast your vote.
Jasper County Early Voting Locations:
Jasper County Board of Elections Office at 1506 Grays Highway, Unit A in Ridgeland
St. Stephen A.M.E. Social Hall, 710 Main Street, in Hardeeville.