South-Carolina

Who’s eligible, ways to vote: What SC voters need to know about upcoming runoffs

Published

2 years ago

June 17, 2024

Who’s eligible, ways to vote: What SC voters need to know about upcoming runoffs

COLUMBIA, S.C. — A week from Tuesday, around 30 runoff elections will take place across South Carolina.

These are for races in which no candidate received a majority of votes during last week’s primaries, ranging from local races like sheriffs and county council to seats representing South Carolinians on Capitol Hill and at the State House.

“You’re picking the candidates that are either going to run against someone from the other party or if they’re unopposed, that’s a mainline right to that office in November,” Sara Ballard, executive director of the nonpartisan organization South Carolina Women in Leadership, said.

That is especially the case throughout much of South Carolina, where the vast majority of legislative districts lean heavily toward one party or the other, making them uncompetitive in a general election.

But the South Carolina Election Commission said runoffs are usually low-turnout races, with most garnering single-digit turnout among eligible voters.

“With such low turnout, your vote really goes further, so it really matters,” John Michael Catalano with the South Carolina Election Commission said.

The first thing to know is who’s eligible to vote in runoffs.

For starters, you must be a registered voter in the district or county where the runoff is.

If you voted in last week’s primary for that race, you are only eligible to vote in the runoff for that same party.

For example, if you voted in a Democratic primary, and there is now a Republican runoff for that race, you are not eligible to vote in that runoff.

“But if you didn’t vote in the primaries at all, you still can vote in the runoffs, and you can pick either party,” Catalano said. “You don’t have to vote in the primary to vote in the runoffs.”

As with last week’s primaries, South Carolinians have three ways to vote in runoffs, but they are on a condensed timeline.

People who meet certain qualifications can vote absentee by mail, like if they are 65 or older.

If you voted this way for the primary and checked a box on your absentee ballot request form that asked for you to be sent a runoff ballot if one of those races advanced to a runoff, the South Carolina Election Commission will send that to you.

But if you did not do that and want to request a mail-in ballot, that deadline has already passed.

The Election Commission is asking absentee voters to return their mail-in ballots in person, if they can.

“Because that’s just faster and you can cut out the mail that way. But if you’re not able to do that — you’re living too far away or whatever reason — just be sure to drop that in the mail as soon as possible,” Catalano said.

But there are still other ways to vote, including three days of in-person early voting.

That starts this Wednesday and will run through Friday, at locations in every county where there is a runoff, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Locations can be found here.)

“It’s a tight schedule, so we’re really urging voters not to delay, vote as soon as you’re able to,” Catalano said.

Eligible voters can also head to the polls on runoff day, which is next week Tuesday, June 25.

Polls will be open that day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the counties where there is at least one runoff.

South Carolinians voting in person, or if they are voting absentee by mail and returning their ballot in person, will need to bring a photo ID with them.

The following is a list of all runoffs that will be held on June 25, sorted by county:

Abbeville

US House of Representatives, District 3 – Republican

Allendale

County Council, District 1 – Democratic

Anderson

US House of Representatives, District 3 – Republican
State House of Representative, District 9 – Republican

Calhoun

State House of Representatives, District 93 – Democratic
State Senate, District 26 – Republican

Charleston

Colleton

Clerk of Court – Democratic

Dillon

County Council, District 1 – Democratic
County Council, District 3 – Democratic

Edgefield

US House of Representatives, District 3 – Republican

Georgetown

County Council, District 3 – Democratic

Greenville

US House of Representatives, District 3 – Republican
State Senate, District 6 – Republican
State Senate, District 12 – Republican
State House of Representatives, District 28 – Republican
County Council, District 20 – Republican
County Council, District 22 – Republican
County Council, District 25 – Democratic

Greenwood

US House of Representatives, District 3 – Republican
State Senate, District 10 – Republican

Kershaw

State Senate, District 35 – Democratic
State Senate, District 35 – Republican

Laurens

US House of Representatives, District 3 – Republican
County Council, District 7 – Republican

Lee

State Senate, District 35 – Democratic
State Senate, District 35 – Republican

Lexington

State Senate, District 10 – Republican
State Senate, District 23 – Republican
State Senate, District 26 – Republican
State House of Representatives, District 93 – Democratic

McCormick

US House of Representatives, District 3 – Republican

Newberry

US House of Representatives, District 3 – Republican

Oconee

US House of Representatives, District 3 – Republican

Orangeburg

State House of Representatives, District 93 – Democratic
Coroner – Democratic

Pickens

US House of Representatives, District 3 – Republican
Sheriff – Republican
County Council, District 5 – Republican

Richland

State Senate, District 22 – Democratic
State Senate, District 26 – Republican
State Senate, District 35 – Democratic
State Senate, District 35 – Republican

Saluda

US House of Representatives, District 3 – Republican
State Senate, District 10 – Republican
Probate Judge – Republican
Spartanburg
State Senate, District 12 – Republican
State House of Representatives, District 34 – Republican
County Council, District 4 – Republican

Sumter

State Senate, District 35 – Democratic
State Senate, District 35 – Republican

York

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South-Carolina

South Carolina Lottery Pick 3, Pick 4 results for July 9, 2026

Published

5 minutes ago

July 10, 2026

Press Room

South Carolina Lottery Pick 3, Pick 4 results for July 9, 2026

The South Carolina Education Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at July 9, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Pick 3 Plus FIREBALL numbers from July 9 drawing

Midday: 1-0-2, FB: 4

Evening: 7-2-5, FB: 5

Check Pick 3 Plus FIREBALL payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 Plus FIREBALL numbers from July 9 drawing

Midday: 4-0-7-0, FB: 4

Evening: 7-5-7-0, FB: 5

Check Pick 4 Plus FIREBALL payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash Pop numbers from July 9 drawing

Midday: 13

Evening: 02

Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Palmetto Cash 5 numbers from July 9 drawing

05-11-23-25-39

Check Palmetto Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

The South Carolina Education Lottery provides multiple ways to claim prizes, depending on the amount won:

For prizes up to $500, you can redeem your winnings directly at any authorized South Carolina Education Lottery retailer. Simply present your signed winning ticket at the retailer for an immediate payout.

Winnings $501 to $100,000, may be redeemed by mailing your signed winning ticket along with a completed claim form and a copy of a government-issued photo ID to the South Carolina Education Lottery Claims Center. For security, keep copies of your documents and use registered mail to ensure the safe arrival of your ticket.

SC Education Lottery

P.O. Box 11039

Columbia, SC 29211-1039

For large winnings above $100,000, claims must be made in person at the South Carolina Education Lottery Headquarters in Columbia. To claim, bring your signed winning ticket, a completed claim form, a government-issued photo ID, and your Social Security card for identity verification. Winners of large prizes may also set up an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) for convenient direct deposit of winnings.

Columbia Claims Center

1303 Assembly Street

Columbia, SC 29201

Claim Deadline: All prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the draw date for draw games.

For more details and to access the claim form, visit the South Carolina Lottery claim page.

When are the South Carolina Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 10:59 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 11 p.m. ET on Tuesday and Friday.
Pick 3: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
Pick 4: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
Cash Pop: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
Palmetto Cash 5: 6:59 p.m. ET daily.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a South Carolina editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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South-Carolina

SC is at the top for food waste in the nation. How you can make changes

Published

10 hours ago

July 9, 2026

Press Room

SC is at the top for food waste in the nation. How you can make changes

A recent study ranked South Carolina as the ninth most wasteful state in the nation, struggling with commercial, industrial, and household waste.
Food waste in the U.S. has a significant environmental impact, generating greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to 37 million cars.

Each year, Americans discard nearly 60 million tons of food, the highest amount of any country in the world.

‘While the world wastes about 2.5 billion tons of food every year, the United States discards more food than any other country in the world: nearly 60 million tons — 120 billion pounds — every year,” according to the Food Waste in America in 2026 report from Recycle Track Systems, a waste management company.

That wasted supply represents lost meals for families already facing food insecurity, according to the Food Waste in America in 2026 guide. While also filling U.S. landfills and contributing to harmful greenhouse gas emissions.

Tackling this growing problem requires solutions from restaurants, grocery stores, farms, and manufacturers, where overproduction and waste are most common.

Food waste remains one of the nation’s most challenging problems, but some states, like South Carolina, have bigger problems controlling it than others.

South Carolina ranks ninth for states with the largest food waste

From state to state, the struggle against food waste reveals stark differences in efforts to conserve food.

To measure which states are falling behind, Lawn Starter analyzed food waste using 37 key metrics, and the results show South Carolina is one of the states behind the rest.

The study shows the Palmetto State ranked among the most wasteful in the nation, placing ninth overall with a score of 46.1 out of 100. South Carolina also ranked 46th in commercial and industrial waste, 43rd in household waste, 36th in recycling and 19th in reduction efforts.

How South Carolina and other states got their rating

The rankings were based on four key metrics, according to the LawnStarter study.

Commercial and industrial food waste
Household food waste
Most food recycled
Food waste reduction efforts

South Carolina food waste statistics

In light of the Lawn Starter study, here are the food waste statistics for the Palmetto State.

The Palmetto State recorded the highest year‑over‑year increase in farm waste of any state, with a 41% jump in farm waste volume and a 103.9% surge in surplus crops value.
Storms in the 2024 hurricane season, including Tropical Storm Debby and Hurricane Helene, left fields damaged and unsellable crops considered waste.
South Carolina’s food recycling rate fell 1.15% to 29.03%, retail food waste climbed 4.17%, and residential waste barely declined, dropping only 2.59%, the smallest household reduction in the country.

Reducing food waste can help save the planet

Globally, discarded food accounts for 11% of greenhouse gas emissions, according to the Food Waste in America in 2026 guide.

In the United States, the impact is profound, the World Wildlife Federation states that the production of wasted food generates emissions equal to those of 37 million cars.

Experts with RTS state that if Americans continue on the same food loss path, environmental consequences could be catastrophic.

Ways to reduce food waste

In the United States and beyond, there are many ways to reduce waste, according to the Food Waste in America in 2026 guide. From improving household habits to strengthening recycling and recovery efforts.

Here are some suggested strategies to reduce waste.

Food waste recovery strategies

Source reduction — Take only what you need
Feed hungry people — Redirect surplus food to those in need
Feed animals — Use safe leftovers as animal feed
Industrial uses — Convert waste into energy or other products
Composting — Recycle food scraps into soil nutrients
Landfill/Incineration — Last resort disposal methods

Travis Jacque Rose is the trending news reporter for the Greenville News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at trose@gannett.com.

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South-Carolina

Watch out for SC’s 5 most common ticks and take steps to avoid bites

Published

21 hours ago

July 9, 2026

Press Room

Watch out for SC’s 5 most common ticks and take steps to avoid bites

Ticks are active year-round in South Carolina but are most prevalent from April to September.
The Lone star tick, common in the state, can cause a red meat allergy known as alpha-gal syndrome.
Other common ticks in South Carolina include the Black-legged, Gulf Coast, American Dog, and Brown Dog ticks.
Preventative measures include using EPA-approved repellent and avoiding areas with tall grass and brush.

Lone star, Gulf Coast, and American Dog are some of the unique names for South Carolina’s most common bloodsucking ticks that are out and about now that the summer season is in full swing.

One of the ticks in particular has been making headlines recently for causing alpha-gal syndrome, an immune system reaction that makes those bitten allergic to red meat.

If you plan to spend much of your time outdoors this summer, you’ll want to take precautions to avoid tick bites and tick-borne diseases. Here’s what to know about the Palmetto State’s most common ticks and why you should steer clear of tall grass.

Are ticks active year-round in South Carolina?

Tick season is active year-round in South Carolina due to the state’s mild winters. They are most active in the warmer months from April to September, increasing the risk of exposure during the period, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

What is questing?

The National Library of Medicine defines “questing” as a tick’s heat-seeking behavior in which they climb plants and stretch out their front legs, waiting to attach themselves to a passerby. During this process, ticks rely on sensing cues such as carbon monoxide, heat, and movement.

Common ticks in South Carolina

In South Carolina, five ticks are commonly observed. Here’s what they are and the diseases they carry, according to Clemson University:

Lone Star Tick

The most common tick in South Carolina.
Can cause alpha-gal allergy (meat allergy), ehrlichiosis (bacterial disease that causes fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue), and Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness (Lyme disease-like rash that may cause fatigue, fever, headache, muscle, or joint aches).

Black-legged Tick

Found in low volume in South Carolina.
Can transmit Lyme disease, tick-borne relapsing fever, and anaplasmosis (bacterial illness that causes fever, headache, chills, and muscle aches).

Gulf Coast Tick

An important South Carolina tick that can cause Rickettsia parkeri, a recently identified disease that can cause spotted fever in humans.

American Dog Tick

Transmits Rocky Mountain Spotted fever, an illness that presents with fever, severe headache, muscle aches, and a characteristic rash that requires prompt treatment with doxycycline to prevent medical emergencies.

Brown Dog Tick

Also transmits Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.

Lyme disease and South Carolina ticks

Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne disease in the country, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 476,000 patients are treated for it annually.

Black-legged ticks are the culprits behind the spread and must be removed within 24 hours of the bite to prevent infection.

Some of the symptoms of Lyme disease include fever, facial paralysis, an irregular heartbeat, arthritis, and a bull’s-eye rash. The disease has no cure, although treatment options are available.

Tips to prevent tick bites

The South Carolina Department of Public Health listed the following tips to reduce your chances of being bitten by a tick:

Wear repellent containing 20% or more of any active ingredient approved by EPA as a tick repellent (such as DEET) year-round.
Wear long pants tucked into socks.
Pretreat clothing with 0.5% permethrin, which can provide protection even after a few washes.
Avoid wooded and brushy areas with tall vegetation.
Stay in the center of walking/hiking trails.
Check in and around the hair and ears, under the arms, inside the belly button, around the waist, between the legs, and the back of the knees. These areas on the body are where ticks can hide.

How to safely remove a tick from the body

To safely remove a tick from the body, use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick closely to the skin, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pull upwards with steady, even pressure without jerking or twisting the tick, as this may cause the mouthparts to break off and remain in the skin.

Upon removal, cleanse the bite area with soap and water. Apply an antiseptic like iodine, hydrogen peroxide, or rubbing alcohol.

Record the date of the bite and contact your doctor immediately if symptoms arise.

Nina Tran is the breaking news and education reporter for The Greenville News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her via email at ntran@usatodayco.com.

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