Early voting for the South Carolina Republican Presidential Primary begins Monday

CHARLESTON S.C. (WCBD) – Early voting begins Monday for the South Carolina Republican presidential preference primary.

Election officials said about 48,000 people across the state voted in the Democratic Primary. Still, they expect turnout to be much higher for the Republican primary since South Carolina is a traditionally red state.

Former President Trump and former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley both campaigned in the Palmetto State over the weekend, holding rallies encouraging their supporters to make their voices heard when they head to the polls.

Early voting runs from Monday until February 22. Polling locations will be open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. except for Monday, January 19, which is President’s Day.

If you plan on heading to the polls, officials say to double-check your polling location and ensure you have all the necessary materials to vote.

“So we stress that you prep for the polls. It’s one of the main things that we are pushing right now, and that is checking your sample ballot, making sure you know where you’re going on election day. Also, make sure you have your photo ID on election day to avoid any conflicts you may run into and when you check your sample ballot,” said Sydni Bain, a Voter outreach for South Carolina State Election Commissions.

The Republican Presidential Primary will be held on Saturday, February 24.