Low Turnout in 2024 South Carolina Democratic Primary as President Biden Secures Easy Victory
President Biden emerged victorious in the South Carolina Democratic primary, effortlessly securing about 96% of the vote. The incumbent president faced two long-shot candidates and clinched an easy win, solidifying his position as the preferred candidate among party members. With 97% of precincts reporting, Biden’s triumph was all but certain. However, despite the president’s success, the primary saw a disappointingly low voter turnout.
Turnout for the 2024 South Carolina Democratic primary was alarmingly low, with only around 131,000 South Carolinians casting their votes. This number accounted for just 4% of registered voters statewide. In comparison to previous presidential primaries for Democrats, this turnout was significantly lower, although those contests were notably more competitive. In 2020, approximately 540,000 people, equivalent to 16% of voters, participated in the Democratic primary. Similarly, in 2016, over 373,000 individuals, representing more than 12% of voters, took part. The South Carolina Election Commission revealed that in 2008, when former President Barack Obama faced opposition in the primary, 532,151 individuals turned out, accounting for about 23% of registered voters.
The South Carolina Democratic primary is traditionally seen as a crucial indicator of support among Black voters. These voters played a pivotal role in reviving Biden’s campaign in 2020 after underwhelming performances in earlier state primaries. Despite the low overall turnout, it is essential to analyze the extent of support Biden received from this key demographic.
This year, the South Carolina Democratic primary took place earlier than usual. While it has previously been the fourth contest on the calendar, coinciding with the Republican primary, the Democratic National Committee decided to move it to the top of the calendar. The justification behind this decision was the state’s more racially diverse electorate, which is seen as a better reflection of the country’s overall demographics. However, New Hampshire defied this change and maintained its position as the first-in-the-nation primary, as per tradition. Consequently, Mr. Biden did not appear on the ballot in New Hampshire.
Looking ahead, the South Carolina GOP primary is scheduled for February 24th and will adhere to the traditional order of state primaries. Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, who served as the state’s governor from 2011 to 2017, is expected to face a significant test in her bid for the Republican nomination. Despite former President Donald Trump’s dominance in the race so far, Haley aims to make inroads in South Carolina. Early voting for the Republican primary commences on February 12th and concludes on February 22nd, with polls open on February 24th from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The South Carolina Democratic primary may have had a low turnout, but it served as a crucial milestone in President Biden’s re-election journey. While the numbers may not have been impressive, the overwhelming support he received from voters solidifies his position as the Democratic Party’s favored candidate. As the primary season progresses, all eyes will be on the upcoming Republican primary in South Carolina, where Nikki Haley seeks to make her mark in a post-Trump era.
