COLUMBIA, S.C. — Ten minutes before the precinct doors at Dreher High School opened at 7 a.m., a line of voters had already formed behind Mark Robertson, eager to be first in line.
“The number one reason I wanted to make sure I voted is it’s very important to me,” said Robertson, who added he has not missed an election in nearly 50 years. “I don’t think I’ve missed an election in over 50 years—or close to 50 years.”
Robertson was among the 105 voters who cast their ballots in the first hour and a half of voting at the precinct, according to the polling clerk.
Lori Kirkham, a Richland County resident, also opted to vote early on election day. Saying she chose to go to the polls as soon as they opened because she had other commitments that day.
“I came this early because I have other things to do today,” Kirkham explained. “Who knows what happens in a day, but it’s my civic duty to come and vote. I’m an American, and it’s my American duty.”
Similarly, 22-year-old Kevin Sestak said voting is not just a right, but a responsibility. He believes not everyone is as fortunate to have the freedom to vote as Americans do.
“I just look at the rest of the world, and I see that a lot of other countries don’t get the same rights that we do here, and I think we should definitely express those rights and liberties by coming out to vote,” Sestak said.
While some voters, like Sestak, emphasized the importance of civic duty, others were motivated by concerns in the direction our country could face.
"Right now, I think our country is at a very pivotal time, and we need change because things across the board are just not in order,” said Lauren Ragsdale. “I think the country really needs to unify.”
Despite early enthusiasm at Dreher High, multiple polling clerks reported that overall voter turnout in Richland County has been somewhat lower than in previous election cycles. They suggested the extension of early voting options may have contributed to a drop in Election Day participation.
“You just never know. You just never know,” Kirkham added. “That’s why we came early, because you just never know what the line’s going to be like.”
Whether it takes five minutes or 45, voters like Sestak and others were determined to make their voices heard.
“So, it’s an important thing, and choosing who’s in charge of our country is even more important,” Sestak said.