Enhanced security plans in place across the tri-county for Tuesday’s election

MONCKS CORNER, S.C. (WCBD) – There have not been any specific threats targeting Election Day locally; however, tri-county election and law enforcement officials will take additional steps to ensure Tuesday’s general election is safe and secure for voters.

Berkeley County’s emergency operations department will be working to respond to any potential issues that could arise.

Sheriff Duane Lewis said his deputies will be ready to respond, but only if called. State law does not allow deputies to be inside polling locations without being invited by the poll manager unless that deputy is voting.

Ben Webster, deputy director of emergency management in Charleston County, said the emergency operations center will be ready for anything – even for things as simple as people standing in lines that might need water.

“Well, we know it’s still hot here in Charleston. We’re seeing that today, so we have heat exposure that we need to worry about especially if individuals are in those lines for a long time, seeing that they are properly cared for. In addition to that if there’s any sort of disruption throughout the election process, we’ve got all of our partners here to be able to respond adequately,” he said.

Dorchester County’s director of emergency management, Thomas McNeal, said election officials will be based out of the county’s emergency operations center so that any help, if needed, can be dispatched immediately.

“That way if the polling center contacts them and needs support, they are immediately with decision-makers from the fire department, from the police and law enforcement, to respond quickly, if necessary,” he said.

None of the officials we heard from said there were any specific threats. But the enhanced security response plan is in place, likely because of how heavy the early voting turnout was.

The preparations will begin before polls open at 7 a.m. and will continue until after polls are closed on Tuesday night.