S.C. sees less than 5% turnout for Democratic primary, unofficial results show

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WMBF) - South Carolina saw a less than 5% turnout for this year’s Democratic Presidential Primary won by President Joe Biden, according to unofficial election results from the South Carolina Election Commission.

In total, South Carolina saw 131,870 ballots cast for the 2024 primary out of just over 3.2 million registered voters - which accounts for just 4.09%.

DECISION 2024 | President Joe Biden wins South Carolina’s Democratic primary as he gears up for his reelection bid

This year’s numbers, however, are down significantly from 2020, where the state saw just over 16% of registered voters cast ballots in that year’s Democratic primary.

Just three counties, Orangeburg, Lee and Williamsburg, each saw turnout rates higher than 10%.

The drop in numbers comes as leaders in the Democratic Party pushed for South Carolina to be “First in the Nation” in its primary schedule, only for the state to be the second Democratic primary behind New Hampshire. It was, however, the first primary to feature Biden as a candidate on the ballot after the president won as a write-in candidate in New Hampshire.

Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison also criticized many counties for consolidating some precincts, calling it “disgusting.”

South Carolina’s results are expected to be certified later this week.

The state’s Republican primary will take place later this month, with early voting starting on Feb. 12. The final day to vote in that race is Feb. 24.

Stay with WMBF News for updates.

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