---
title: "First-Day Early Voting Crowds Jam Elections Office in Florence"
url: https://www.hereflorence.com/2026/10/20/first-day-early-voting-crowds-jam-elections-office-florence/
date: 2026-10-20T05:18:23-04:00
modified: 2026-10-20T05:18:23-04:00
author: "Colleen Quezada"
categories: ["Politics"]
site: "HERE Florence"
attribution: "HERE Florence"
---

# First-Day Early Voting Crowds Jam Elections Office in Florence

> FLORENCE, S.C. — Voters turned out in such numbers Monday, the opening day of South Carolina early voting, that the parking lot at the Florence County elections office could not keep up, and the South Carolina Highway Patrol was brought in to direct traffic. By midday, more than 400 people in Florence County had already

*Source: [HERE Florence](https://www.hereflorence.com/2026/10/20/first-day-early-voting-crowds-jam-elections-office-florence/) — October 20, 2026 by Colleen Quezada*

FLORENCE, S.C. — Voters turned out in such numbers Monday, the opening day of South Carolina early voting, that the parking lot at the Florence County elections office could not keep up, and the South Carolina Highway Patrol was brought in to direct traffic.

By midday, more than 400 people in Florence County had already voted, election officials reported. Extra workers were added to handle the crowd, and troopers also handled a minor crash at the site.

Julian Young, who directs voter registration and elections for the county, said the office had planned for big crowds. Voting booths were placed indoors so people would not be left standing outside in the heat.

The county office at 219 3rd Loop Road is one of seven places in Florence County where residents can vote early. A second Florence site is Mt. Zion AME Church on East Cheves Street. Outside the city, library branches serve as voting centers in Olanta, Pamplico, Lake City, Timmonsville and Johnsonville.

Any registered voter in the county may use any of the seven centers. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Monday-Saturday), and the early voting period ends Saturday, Oct. 31. Centers will be closed on Sunday, Oct. 25.

Every voter must show photo identification at the center. Accepted forms include a U.S. passport, a military ID issued by the federal government, a voter registration card that carries a photo, or a state-issued driver license or DMV card. On Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3, polls statewide open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m.