SC voters to decide between Joe Biden or two other candidates in Saturday’s Democratic presidential primary

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Voters across South Carolina will head to the polls Saturday to vote in the “First in the Nation” Democratic presidential preference primary.

It was the Palmetto State that ultimately led to Joe Biden winning the Democratic nomination in the 2020 race for the White House. He’s now looking to the state to again cement him as the favorite – potentially setting the stage for another match-up with former President Donald Trump come November.

Two other Democratic candidates will appear on Saturday’s ballot including U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips of Minnesota and author Marianne Williamson. Phillips received about 20% of the vote in New Hampshire, while Williamson received about 4%. Williamson was part of the crowded 2020 field that included Biden, but she dropped out before the first contests.

The South Carolina primary will be the first opportunity this year for Democratic candidates to begin accumulating the nearly 2,000 delegates needed to clinch the party’s nomination.

Polls will open across the state at 7:00 a.m. and will remain open until 7:00 p.m.

South Carolina has open primaries, meaning registered voters can participate in either the Democratic or Republican primary; however, you can only vote in one. Those who choose to vote in Saturday’s election cannot vote in the GOP primary between Donald Trump and Nikki Haley on Feb. 24.

Heading to the polls? Voters are asked to bring a current and valid Photo ID when checking in to vote. Acceptable Photo IDs include:

• SC Driver’s License
• SC Department of Motor Vehicles ID card
• SC Voters Registration Card with Photo
• Federal Military ID
• US Passport

Because the primary is taking place on Saturday, rather than the traditional Tuesday, voters should check their precinct before heading to the polls. You can do that by clicking here.

News 2 will provide real-time election results on-air and online after the polls close.

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.