Why Primaries are Important

By Lawson Wetli, League of Women Voters of Greenville County

We often think of November as “election season,” and it’s true that this November, we will have midterm general elections, electing people to serve us at all levels of government — federal, state, and county.

But the elections coming up on June 9 — together with any June 23 runoffs, the primary election— are also important, and all voters should focus on them now.

What is a primary election?

It’s our main system for narrowing a field of candidates down to one candidate per party per race.

Most of our elections are partisan, with candidates representing a political party. In partisan elections, only one person per party can run in the November general election for a given seat. If multiple candidates from a single party are running for a seat, there has to be a process to pick a single candidate. The typical process is for that party’s candidates to compete against each other in a primary election, and the winner of that primary will represent the party in the general election.

Why are primaries important?

For one thing, because all elections are important. Primaries are a crucial stage in the process of selecting the people who will make vital decisions on our behalf about how our county, our state, and our nation work.

In addition, for many elected offices, the primary election is the most important election. Because so many seats are “safe” for one political party, the general election is often a sure bet for that party or is even uncontested. So, the “real” challenge, if any, happens in the primary election. This means that voting in the primary election is often your best opportunity to have a say in who represents you.

Prepping for the primary — what should you do now?

Register to vote or check voter registration information.

First, make sure that you’re registered to vote and that your information is up to date. The deadline to register to vote or to update information (like a changed name or address) for the primary is May 10. Register today to vote in the June primary election.

And spread the word in your networks to do the same. One thing that we know is that the most effective message about voting and elections comes from a trusted messenger. And in your network, that is you!

Get the Information You Need

To learn what your voting options will be for the June primary, getting one or both of your sample ballots is key. To access your sample ballots, visit SCVotes.gov, select Voters from the top menu and then Get my Sample Ballot from the next screen. Because this is a primary election, it will ask which party primary you want to view the ballot for. We encourage you to look at both sample ballots to see everyone who is running to represent you.

Your sample ballot will show you where your voting precinct is (where you will go to vote if you choose to vote on June 9 Election Day). It will also tell you whether or not there is an election for every voting district you are in, including a list of candidates.

Choosing a primary to vote in

All South Carolina voters can choose whether to vote in the Democratic or the Republican primary. This choice has no impact beyond the primary. For instance, if you choose to vote in the Democratic primary in June, that doesn't mean you have to vote for the Democratic candidate in November.

The League of Women Voters believes it is important for all of us to take a look at what primary elections are available to us and make strategic decisions about where we think our vote matters most out of the options available to us.

Choosing a candidate to vote for

Who will best represent you? That is for you to decide, of course!

To get the information you need to make that decision, the League of Women Voters is proud to offer VOTE411.org. It’s a one-stop-shop of voter resources, including a personalized voter guide showing you who is competing for your vote this June. Candidate information as well as their responses to a League questionnaire – if a candidate chose to complete it – are available early-May.

Make a voting plan

Voters have two options to vote in person – early voting and Election Day voting. With an excuse, eligible voters may also vote absentee by mail. Decide which you want to use and plan to make it happen!

Voting in person

Early voting in person is available May 26 through June 5 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Saturday May 30 and Sunday May 31). The League of Women Voters recommends that you vote early in person if you can.

Any voter can visit their county's early voting location(s) and vote as they would on Election Day. In Greenville County, there are 5 location choices for early voting:

McAlister Square (Back Entrance): 225 S. Pleasantburg Drive, Greenville, SC 29607
Renfrew Church (Fellowship Hall): 951 Geer Hwy, Travelers Rest, SC 29690
Pleasant Community Center 710 S. Fairfield Road Greenville, SC 29605
Praise Cathedral (Family Life Center): 3375 Brushy Creek Road, Greer, SC 29650
Cedar Grove Missionary Baptist Church (Gym) 206 Moore Street Simpsonville, SC 29681

On June 9, Election Day, polls are open from 7 am to 7 pm

Your precinct name and address are shown on the sample ballot available at SCVotes.gov.

Voting absentee by mail

Voters with a valid “excuse” (like being over age 65) can vote absentee by mail. There are a number of steps and deadlines to meet, so, if you plan to vote absentee by mail, you should start that process immediately. We suggest contacting your county voter registration office to get started.

Click Absentee Voting at the South Carolina Election Commission (SCVotes.gov) for the latest info about absentee voting.

Get your vote on!

Your vote is your voice, and make sure it’s heard in the upcoming June 9 primary!

Informational resources:

VOTE411.org for your personalized online voter guide as well as links to voter registration and related resources at the South Carolina Election Commission: SCVotes.gov.