Reminder: Special GOP U.S. Senate primary Tuesday

The crowded field for South Carolina’s open Republican U.S. Senate nominee will be whittled down tomorrow, Aug. 11, during a special primary election.

The election will fill the ballot slot left empty following the unexpected death of Sen. Lindsey Graham on July 12. Gov. Henry McMasters appointed Graham’s sister, Darline Graham, on July 13 to fill her brother’s Senate seat temporarily, though she is now seeking the position for the next term.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Some polling locations have temporarily changed for this election. According to the Berkeley County Voter Registration & Elections Department, voters will cast their ballots at their regular locations.

Voters who participated in the June Democratic Primary are not eligible to vote in the Aug. 11 Special Republican Primary. Voters who participated in the June Republican Primary, or who did not vote in either party’s June primary, are eligible to vote.

The list of candidates on the ballot are:

1) Duke Buckner

2) Danny Lee Ford II

3) Russell Fry

4) Darline Graham

5) Mark Lynch

6) Mark McBride

7) Ralph Norman

8) Glenda Gail Parker

9) Mark Sanford

10) Samuel Sam Shepard

With such a large list of candidates, it seems likely a runoff election will be necessary. If no one gets 50% of the vote, a runoff would be held Tuesday, Aug. 25. 

The winner of the special primary will face Democrat nominee Annie Andrews in November’s General Election.

For any additional voter information, contact the Berkeley County Voter Registration & Elections Department at 843-719-4056 or email vog.csytnuocyelekreb@ervbew or at scvotes.gov/.