If you want your vote to count more than in just about any other election, you should cast a ballot in the June 28 runoff elections. Another reason: Voting is a fundamental duty for Americans to keep freedom strong.
On June 28, your vote will count more because of basic math: One in eight registered voters in South Carolina actually takes the time to vote in primary runoffs. In a regular primary, more people vote (about 20%), which dilutes the power of an individual vote in that election.
In 2018 for example, an abysmally low 20.4% of voters (621,841 people) cast ballots in the June primary. Two weeks later, only 12.7% — 385,254 South Carolina voters — made runoff picks. In other words, these voters had the ultimate say in picking of key Republican or Democratic candidates for the general election. Seven out of eight voters sat at home in runoffs. That’s simply embarrassing.
On June 28 in Charleston County, there are just two races to attract voters to the polls. For the low number of races, we have to assume low turnout again. But realize the importance of showing up. Republicans will pick a statewide candidate for superintendent of education. We again recommend Kathy Maness, a longtime advocate for teachers, to voters. As we wrote in a May 25 endorsement, “she has political experience and is a Republican with the kind of independence needed in the job.”
Democrats will head to the polls June 28 to pick a candidate to run against GOP U.S. Sen. Tim Scott. Again, we endorse S.C. Rep. Krystle Matthews, a local legislator who has a great record of constituent service.
Looking back on the June 14 primaries, results point to a November showdown between incumbent GOP Gov. Henry McMaster and Democratic challenger Joe Cunningham, a former Charleston congressman. In congressional elections, U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace of Daniel Island held on to thwart Trump-backed challenger Katie Arrington in the GOP primary and now will face Dr. Annie Andrews, a Democrat, in the fall. Mace’s colleague in the Grand Strand, Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Rice, fell to S.C. Rep. Russell Fry, who was backed by former President Trump in a crowded field.
Charleston County Democrats gave the nod to Karen Hollings to be their candidate for register of deeds in a public spanking of embattled Michael Miller, whose effectiveness has been much criticized. Hollings will face Republican Bob McIntyre. In a surprise to many, S.C. Rep. Lin Bennett, a Charleston Republican, carried local precincts but wasn’t able to win when votes from other area precincts were counted.
In other Charleston County elections, attorney Larry Kobrovsky won a primary and will head to an East Cooper seat on county council as he has no general election challenger. But veteran councilwoman Anna Johnson, a Democrat who got 56% in a primary, will face Republican Joe Boykin, who we endorsed earlier this month. Meanwhile, attorney Tamara Cunningham Curry won a primary to face longtime Republican Probate Judge Irv Condon.
For all election information, visit SCVotes.gov.
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