South Carolina voters are turning out in heavy numbers to select their president, Congress and Legislature, and to decide whether future governors can choose a running mate.

State Election Commission spokesman Chris Whitmire says he's gotten reports Tuesday of very busy polling stations and a heavy turnout across the state.

Long lines have been reported around Richland County and in Columbia, Whitmire says everyone in line by 7 p.m. will be allowed to vote.

Whitmire says workers must keep the polls open to accommodate such voters.

Polls opened at 7 a.m. following a record number of absentee voters.

About 376,000 South Carolinians had voted absentee by late Monday afternoon, surpassing the previous high set in 2008 by more than 33,000 voters.