The polls in South Carolina are set to close in just three hours, with expectations of a strong showing for Donald Trump in Nikki Haley's home state, where she served as governor. Despite the predictions, Haley remains determined to continue campaigning until the last vote is cast.
South Carolina's primary allows Democrats and independents to participate in the GOP race, potentially impacting the outcome. Trump's campaign faced challenges with independent voters in New Hampshire, raising questions about his performance in South Carolina.
Reports from polling stations across the state indicate a high level of voter turnout. In Mount Pleasant, lines at Jenny Moore Elementary School have been long, with over 1,600 ballots cast so far. Voters like Vincent Bonavita cited issues such as taxes, border security, and dissatisfaction with the federal government as reasons for supporting Trump.
Inside the polling locations, voters are required to show photo ID and are provided with a barcode-equipped paper for voting. The process involves using a touch screen to make selections, verifying the choices, and feeding the ballot into a tabulator.
In Charleston County, where Mount Pleasant is located, Haley enjoys significant support due to her previous tenure as governor. However, Trump did not win this county in 2016, making it a crucial battleground in the current primary.
In Rock Hill, voters are also turning out in steady numbers, with many expressing support for both Trump and Haley. Some Democrats, like Crystal, opted to participate in the Republican primary to vote for Haley, highlighting the significance of her candidacy.
As the primary nears its end, the race remains competitive, with Haley facing an uphill battle against Trump. The former president's campaign is confident in his prospects, viewing the South Carolina primary as a crucial step towards securing the nomination.
