Election Day will be about more than just Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.

Though the presidential election is commanding the most attention, down-ballot races and issues could most directly impact the lives of South Carolina and Upstate voters.

Here are three consequential — and interesting — races in South Carolina.

The race: Proposed constitutional amendment on voting

What’s on the ballot: South Carolina voters will see a proposed amendment to section 4 of Article II of the state Constitution reading “Must Section 4, Article II of the Constitution of this State, relating to voter qualifications, be amended so as to provide that only a citizen of the United States and of this State of the age of eighteen and upwards who is properly registered is entitled to vote as provided by law?”

What’s at stake: The proposed change would alter one word of the state Constitution to have it read “only a citizen of the United States and of this State of the age of eighteen and upwards who is properly registered is entitled to vote as provided by law.” Although an investigation found no non-citizens were voting in the state’s elections, lawmakers call the initiative a “belt and suspenders” approach to ensure there is no way South Carolina’s Supreme Court could rule citizens can vote in the elections. Critics of the proposal say this is a solution to a non-problem and could lead to future restrictions in voting.

More: Your guide to the most interesting — and consequential — races in all 50 states

The race: 4th Congressional District

Who is running: Democrat Kathryn Harvey is looking to unseat GOP incumbent William Timmons. Timmons almost lost to his primary challenger Adam Morgan in June and only secured a win by a little over 2,200 votes.

What’s at stake: Though the Upstate is an area of South Carolina with a GOP stronghold, Harvey outraised Timmons. Harvey brought in $268,393 and Timmons raised $88,609. Supporters argue this shows Harvey has a chance to claim the seat in Congress. But Timmons has also been in key swing states campaigning for Trump and suspended campaign activity to focus on recovery after Hurricane Helene trampled the district.

The race: State Senate District 41

Who is running: State Rep. Matt Leber, R-Charleston, unseated Sen. Sandy Senn, one of three GOP “Sister Senators” who blocked a near-total abortion ban in 2023, in the June primaries earlier this year. Rita Adkins is the Democratic nominee in the race.

What’s at stake: All three GOP Sister Senators were ousted this year. Charleston’s State Senate District 41 was won by the GOP in 2020 by 378 votes, meaning the race could be close this year.

COLUMBIA, SC – The South Carolina women’s basketball team picked up right where they left off, defeating Clayton State 126-42 in an exhibition on Monday night at Colonial Life Arena. The defending National Champions were led by MiLaysia Fulwiley who netted 24 points, provided three assists, and added seven steals. She led a team performance that saw every player see the court and score at least six points. 

The first quarter saw the Gamecocks outscore Clayton State 28-9. Freshman Joyce Edwards continued to establish herself into the team early as she posted nine points on 100% shooting with a free throw, and grabbing two rebounds. 

Tessa Johnson led the way in the second quarter scoring 11 points, while dishing out two assists, as the Gamecocks posted another 34 points in the period. South Carolina entered the locker room with a lead of 62-21 while shooting 53.3% from the field (24-for-45), and 31.6% from behind the arc (6-for-19). 

The South Carolina defense shined in the third quarter, only allowing 11 points while earning five steals, and four blocks. Edwards and Fulwiley both grabbed a steal and two blocks in the quarter. The Gamecocks were able to score 32 points on 52.2% shooting. 

Fulwiley exploded for 15 points in the final period, bringing her game total to 24, leading the Gamecocks to a comfortable win. She was followed by four other Gamecocks, Joyce Edwards, Tessa Johnson, Adhel Tac, and Te-Hina Paopao, who were all able to net double digits in the game. Edwards led the team in rebounds (11) and assists (6). Her 20 points and 11 rebounds marked her second double-double in as many games. 

A dominant South Carolina performance saw them finish the night shooting 54.5% (48-for-88) from the field, and 73.1% (19-for-26) from behind the line. South Carolina outrebounded Clayton State 60-31.

UP NEXT

South Carolina will meet the Michigan Wolverines in Las Vegas on Monday, Nov. 4 at 7:30 PM to kick off the start of their regular season as a part of the Naismith Hall of Fame Series. 

COLUMBIA — South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley said one of the biggest issues right now isn’t one she can necessarily fix in time for the season opener.

“Toughness and just playing faster, more often,” Staley said Monday after the Gamecocks defeated Division II Clayton State 126-42 in an exhibition game at Colonial Life Arena. “I think what we are lacking is getting out there in front of a crowd, playing someone other than our (practice players), we just need more experience and we probably won’t get that until next week this time, and hopefully we’ll have enough in the tank to win a basketball game at a neutral site.”

The season opener is Nov. 4 against Michigan in Las Vegas at T-Mobile Arena. The defending national champions won both exhibition games.

In general, South Carolina is adjusting to life without 6-foot-7 center Kamilla Cardoso, who led the Gamecocks with 14.4 points per game last season and was a first-round WNBA draft pick.

“Each team is trying to find their identity is and for us we are trying to figure it out without having a dominant big,” Staley said. “It looks a little different, feels a little different but collectively I like what we are bringing to the table, I like the fact that every single one of our (post players) is different than the other … I told them we are a united team … most nights you’re going to see it like … even minutes, even stat lines so it’s pretty cool, I hope we can hold onto that.”

The Gamecocks had six players score in double figures. Off the bench, sophomore guard MiLaysia Fulwiley led the way with 24 points, and freshman forward Joyce Edwards had 20 points, 11 rebounds and six assists.

Senior forward Sania Feagin had eight points and nine rebounds.

Lulu Kesin covers South Carolina athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email her at lkesin@gannett.com and follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @Lulukesin