Sunday voting will not be an option in Columbus County during the upcoming early voting period.
Under a new state law, local election boards must unanimously approve early voting schedules or the state board makes the schedule. Chairman Jillian McPherson, a Republican, sided with Democrat members of the Columbus board for four hours of Sunday voting. The other Republicans voted against the plan, handing to decision to the state.
The state board on Wednesday approved the plan offered by Columbus Republicans. A dozen counties that have been seeing a shift toward Republican registration also saw their split decisions overruled against Sunday voting.
Democrats have dominated Sunday voting since its introduction in 2018. Black churches frequently host programs where congregations go to the polls after Sunday morning services.
During Wednesday’s meetings, members of local boards of election from across the state cited problems with inconsistent turnout, lack of workers willing to man Sunday polls, and religious objections. Some counties reported overwhelming voter turnout on Sundays, while others had far fewer than Saturday or weekday voters.
In 2024, polls were open for one Sunday (Oct. 20) during the early voting period, and drew more than 730 voters, making for one of the least busy days at the polls here during that election.
Early voting will take place in Columbus County from Feb. 12-27, excluding Feb. 14 and both Sundays during the period. Polls will be open 8 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and Saturday (Feb. 21 and 27) from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Early polls in Columbus County for the March primary will be at the Columbus County Board of Elections Office; Ransom Center; Chadbourn Annex; South Williams; and Cherry Bluff polling stations.
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