South Carolina Early Voting Is Lower Than Absentee Totals of Prior Years

At least 33 percent fewer votes were cast ahead of the 2024 presidential preference primary than in the 2020 contest.

A voter arrives to cast his ballot at the Eastbridge Presbyterian Church in Mount Pleasant, S.C., on Feb. 3, 2024. Brandon Bell/Getty Images

The total number of ballots cast ahead of South Carolina’s first presidential primary is down significantly, according to data published by the South Carolina State Election Commission.

Data published by the commission ahead of the Feb. 1 South Carolina Democratic presidential preference primary indicates about 48,200 early votes were cast ahead of the election. The Republican Party’s presidential preference primary will be held on Feb. 24.