Read more: Local, State, Politics
South Carolina voters headed to the polls again Saturday, but this time, it's the Democrats turn. Last week, Horry County faced an Election Day nightmare, after 80% of the precincts had problems with voting machines.
This Saturday was a 100% improvement, according to election officials. For poll workers, it was a relief.
"Alright, come on," poll worker Mary Nothaft told her machines, "You've got to do it today." And they did. Voting machines across Horry County functioned properly, including the ones in Nothaft's precinct.
"You heard that 'beep, beep' that said I'm working, and that was great," Nothaft said.
That's unlike the error-beep poll workers came across last Saturday when most machines wouldn't work.
"Last week was a disaster," said Harriet Parrotta. "We had three machines, and only one of them worked."
Election officials say the machines weren't programmed correctly, which is no fault of the poll workers, but it forced them to use paper ballots or shuffle everyone through on one machine.
"It was a day I would never want to go thru again," said Parrotta.
But, the Democratic primary election is a new day, with a new outcome.
"It's like night and day," said poll worker Jimmy Shiells.
"Everybody asks, 'Are they working?' Yes, they're working," said Nothaft with a smile.
So in just the matter of a few clicks on the computer, voters picked their presidential nominee, and voted with ease.
"This is wonderful," said Parrotta. "I told you last week was a disaster but this week it's been wonderful."
The South Carolina Election Commission issued this press release:
The South Carolina Election Commission reports more than 38,000 absentee ballots were issued for Saturday’s Democratic Presidential Primary. Nearly 22,000 absentee ballots were issued for last Saturday’s Republican Presidential Primary.
Reports from polling places around the state indicate turnout is at least as large as last week, when 20 percent of South Carolina’s registered voters participated. Many counties report heavier turnout today.
"This level of combined voter participation in these presidential primaries is very encouraging," said Marci Andino, executive director of the South Carolina Election Commission. "This speaks well to the interest of South Carolina voters in this year’s presidential election process."
"Additionally," Andino said, "all reports indicate that the voting process is running smoothly."
