Aiken, S.C.: Early Voting Kicks Off Amid Excitement and Challenges
As the crisp autumn air rolls into Aiken, South Carolina, locals are buzzing with excitement. The early voting period has officially started, and folks on both sides of the river are eager to make their voices heard in the upcoming major U.S. presidential election. “Well, I thought I was early,” admitted Bill Bruder, an Aiken County resident, as he waited in line to cast his ballot. “It looks like I’m a little late.”
Despite the long lines, Aiken voters are not backing down. “Don’t turn around,” urged James Lott, a fellow voter, encouraging his neighbors to make their voices heard at the polls. Angela Perry added, “It’s a beautiful day and the weather is great. Make your vote count.”
A Historic Moment in Aiken County
This election is particularly significant for Aiken County. Earlier this summer, the former Board of Elections director, Cynthia Holland, faced serious allegations, being charged with embezzlement. Holland, who had held her position for 12 years, is accused of taking at least $62,000 during her time in office. It’s been a dramatic turn of events, to say the least.
As the dust settles on this controversy, Aiken County’s new election director, Dana Burden, is stepping into a challenging role. She had only about a month to gear up for this crucial early voting period. “We have a historic election, in the middle of a historic hurricane, in the middle of their fourth leadership change since May of this year,” said Burden, highlighting the obstacles her team is navigating.
Staying Focused and Professional
With her previous experience as an election director in Saluda County, Burden seems well-equipped to handle the situations at hand. “If you walk into my office, you get nothing but professionalism,” she assured voters. “You would never know that this team has been through anything like that.” Burden is particularly focused on ensuring that each vote counts, saying, “Anytime you have a change, especially a leadership change, it’s hard. But this team has been so easy to work with, and they know what they’re doing.”
Her team has been dedicated to making sure that voters feel comfortable and informed. “We’re just trying to make sure that we have an open door policy in this office. People know they can come and talk to us if they have questions about elections,” Burden explained. The staff has gone above and beyond to assist voters, making sure their needs are met, whether it’s answering questions or addressing concerns.
Key Details of Early Voting
For those who didn’t get a chance to cast a ballot on Monday, early voting is set to continue throughout the week and includes Saturday. The early voting phase runs from October 21 until November 2, with hours from 8:30 AM to 6 PM. Many counties are ensuring that there is at least one early voting center available and, depending on community needs, there could be several more.
According to TJ Lundeen with the South Carolina State Election Commission, “Every county will have an early voting center – at least one, up to seven, depending on how many they feel they need to staff and service the community.” It’s essential to have enough poll workers available, as their presence ensures that all precincts can be opened and helps avoid merging locations, which can lead to confusion.
Get Involved!
As you prepare to exercise your right to vote, remember that your participation matters more than ever. With ongoing needs for poll workers across South Carolina, including Aiken County, this is also an opportunity to get involved in the democratic process at a local level.
Whether you’re waiting in line like Bill, James, or Angela or helping out in another capacity, it’s all part of what makes a community strong. Your vote is your voice—let’s make sure it’s heard loud and clear! Let’s get out there and make this election count!
