Early voting begins Tuesday as South Carolina redistricting debate continues

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.