Speak Out: Students, Voters to Share Space Primary Day

With PASS Testing planned more than a year in advance and difficulty in relocating hundreds of voters to new polling locations for Tuesday's 1st Congressional District primary, many students and voters will have to share the same space.

The Post and Courier reports that roughly 65 public and private schools that serve as polling places in Berkeley, Dorchester and Charleston counties will be juggling voting with a school day.

Students in grades 3-8 are expected to begin the writing portion of the Palmetto Assessment of State Standards tests, while voters choose a candidate to fill the seat vacated by Sen. Tim Scott.

Do you think this will be an educational opportunity for students or a disruptive challenge? Sound off in the comments section below.

Unfortunately, this primary won't be the only time school dates and elections will coincide. The paper also reports that in the event of a runoff, that date will fall during spring break for many schools. And, the May 7 general election will fall on a school day and second PASS testing day. Read the full story.

Election officials told the Post and Courier they are working with each of the schools to set up areas that will be the least distractive for students.

Some schools were able to delay testing for a day.