COLUMBIA, S.C.- Early voting begins Tuesday in South Carolina’s primary elections as state lawmakers continue debating a proposed congressional redistricting map that could change the state’s political landscape.

The South Carolina Senate advanced the proposed map Saturday, setting up a final vote expected Tuesday at the State House. If approved, the plan would redraw the state’s congressional districts, including the 6th Congressional District, represented by longtime Democratic U.S. Rep. James E. Clyburn.

The proposal would also delay U.S. House primaries until Aug. 18. The South Carolina Election Commission has estimated that the delay would cost roughly $5 million to administer.

But for voters heading to the polls Tuesday, Richland County elections officials said there are no current ballot changes in place.

“Currently, there are no changes or new laws in place to comment on,” the Richland County elections director said. “Everything will operate as normal.”

The director also addressed questions about why Republican primary ballots include advisory questions, while Democratic primary ballots do not.

“Primary ballot advisory questions are party-specific and come from the state party itself,” he said. “You would need to reach out to the parties about specific questions that were added to their ballot. Think of it as two separate elections.”

Some Midlands voters said they are trying to keep up with both the redistricting debate and the issues they want candidates to address.

Roger Davis, a Midlands voter, said he believes voting remains important even when political discussions feel difficult to follow.

“I don’t think there’s any problem with casting a ballot,” Davis said. “I think it’s important that people voice their opinions, especially in the polls.”

Davis said he believes people should pay closer attention to how decisions at the State House connect to local communities.

“We need to get down to the grassroots with politics and the legislature and locally as well because it feeds and supports the local people,” Davis said.

Travis Brown said he is focused on issues affecting families every day, including gas, food and the cost of living.

“It’s really hard out here for people,” Brown said. “And I just hope it gets better because there are a lot of families. They got single parents, and it’s really hard on them.”

Albert Henry said voters who feel discouraged should still cast a ballot.

“You know, I tell them, go and vote,” Henry said. “But some of them will say, ‘Hey, mine ain’t gonna count.’”

Clyburn is expected to vote Tuesday morning in Orangeburg on the first day of early voting. His office said he will cast his ballot at 9 a.m. at the Orangeburg County Administrative Center at 1437 Amelia Street.

After voting, Clyburn is expected to hold a press conference addressing the redistricting proposal and the potential impact of splitting up his district, including what it could mean for voters in the Midlands.

Early voting for South Carolina’s primary elections begins Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. and ends Friday, June 5. Early voting centers are open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Richland County voters are also reminded that the county elections office has moved. Since November 2025, the office has been located at 300 Columbia Mall Blvd., the former Columbia Mall.

CLARENDON COUNTY, S.C. – A Huger woman died after being hit by an umbrella during storms that hit the Midlands on Saturday night.

According to Clarendon County Coroner Jacqueline Blackwell, a 56-year-old woman from Huger died while eating at the Driftwood Grill, a Lake Marion restaurant, Saturday night after an umbrella got loose and hit her.

Clarendon County Sheriff Tim Baxley said the umbrella hit her in the neck, severing her carotid artery. Blackwell confirmed she died at the scene.

Officials attribute the umbrella coming loose to high winds during the Saturday night storms.

According to the coroner’s office, an autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday.

Driftwood Grill issued a statement in a post on Facebook:

“Our hearts are with the family, friends, and loved ones affected by the tragic incident during last night’s sudden severe weather event at Lake Marion.

This has deeply affected many people in our community, including guests, staff, first responders, and everyone involved. Out of respect for the family and those impacted, we ask for continued prayers, compassion, and privacy during this incredibly difficult time.

We are grateful for the emergency personnel and community members who responded and assisted during the situation.

Please continue to keep everyone affected in your thoughts and prayers.”

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Special Olympics South Carolina celebrated its 2026 USA Games team Saturday in Columbia, honoring the 124-member delegation set to represent the Palmetto State in Minneapolis.

The event at the South Carolina football team’s indoor practice facility brought together athletes, families and supporters as Team South Carolina prepares for the national games.

The celebration served as the team’s final gathering before departure, providing athletes and families with information ahead of the trip. Attendees saw the official team uniform unveiling and met delegation members.

Special Olympics South Carolina President Barry Coats said the athletes have been working and training toward this goal for years as they prepare to compete in Minneapolis.

“Everybody loves a nice-looking uniform, and our staff put some nice stuff together, but they’re there to compete,” Coats said. “They’re true athletes. They’ve been working on this for years. They’re excited. They’re ready to get there and compete.”

The delegation is made up of athletes, Unified partners, coaches, and staff who will travel to Minnesota to compete and represent South Carolina on the national stage.

Team South Carolina will compete in 13 sports: track and field, basketball, bocce, bowling, cheerleading, flag football, golf, gymnastics, pickleball, powerlifting, softball, swimming, and tennis.

The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games will take place June 20-26. Team South Carolina departs June 19 from Columbia Metropolitan Airport and returns to Columbia on June 27.