Summerville Heads to the Polls — In Low Numbers

Polls opened 7a.m. Tuesday to a soggy, slow day. 

By 11 a.m., turnout was low among most precincts in Dorchester County.  — which has three precincts — reported about 200 voters, and — which has five precincts — reported about 250 voters, or about 4 percent of registered voters. 

By 6:30 p.m., many precincts didn't get the "after-work" surge expected, still reporting between 5 and 6 percent of registered voters. One of the highest turnouts at the time was Rosinville, which was reporting 14 percent of registered voters.

This may be a historic low in the county.

"I couldn't find anything at this point that's going to be this low," Dorchester County Board of Elections and Voter Registration Director Joshua Dickard said, adding the low turnout likely has more to do with the than the deluge from dark clouds. 

"We typically don't see a reduced turnout with rain," Dickard said. "It's probably a lack of offices reducing turnout." 

That didn't keep Frank and Faith Cuda from the polls.

"(These offices) are vital," Faith Cuda said. "Local is important, and those that representent us at the local level are important."

"It's one of the duties we have as citizens to vote," Frank Cuda said. 

Neither would discuss who got their vote. Mary Ann Sanders was also mum on her selection, but she did have something to say about her experience.

"It was great. I didn't have to wait. I'm very pleased," Sanders said.

Roy Warhurst didn't mind sharing his choices, though. He said he voted for incumbents Sen. Mike Rose and Sheriff L.C. Knight.

"I always vote for them," Warhurst said. 

With low turnout numbers, no problems have been reported, Dickard said.

"Everything is going smooth — like we like it," he said. 

If you're experiencing a problem voting at a polling location, contact the board of elections at 843-832-0071, or click here to submit feedback online.

Updated 6:33 p.m. to add new information about voter turnout.