Record Republican Primary Turnout

The 2016 Presidential election cycle has been the mirror opposite of 2008 in Charleston County, South Carolina and around the country. Republicans have generated record high turnout in almost every state, while the Democrats have seen lower participation than they had in 2008.
In Charleston County, Republican turnout on Feb. 20 was 54,625, a 60 percent increase over 2008. The Democrat turnout on Feb. 27 was 40,183, a 20% decline from the 2008 Barack Obama vs. Hillary Clinton primary. The statewide Republican turnout was a record high 745,000, 67 percent greater than in 2008.
Charleston County Republican Party Chairman Larry Kobrovsky is very pleased with the trend. “The enthusiasm is all on our side,” he said. “We’re capturing a lot of first-time voters and crossover voters. People want things to improve in America, and the other side (Democrats) intends to maintain the status quo.”
Republicans have also done very well in some “purple” states that are closely divided between the parties. In Virginia, which President Obama carried twice, more than 1 Million voters participated in the Republican primary, compared to 785,000 for the Democrats. In Michigan, which no Republican has carried since George H.W. Bush in 1988, Republicans had 1.3 Million primary voters versus 1.2 Million for the Democrats. Michigan is trending Republican, with a Republican Governor and a Republican-controlled legislature.
I witnessed the enthusiasm first-hand as the Charleston County co-chair for Donald Trump. We had supporters like Gail, a retiree who had never been involved in a campaign, and June, a lifelong Democrat who recently relocated to our area from New York, who made hundreds of phone calls each night. Or Caroline, a 19-year-old college student, who attended a Trump Rally the day before the primary and can’t wait to volunteer in a future campaign.
I am optimistic that the enthusiasm will carry over to our June 14 primary elections for state and local offices. I was appalled by the low turnout in the 2014 primaries, which was a paltry 10.8 percent for both parties combined in Charleston County, despite having two U.S. Senate seats and most state constitutional offices on the ballot.
I feel that the Presidential primaries this year have energized people who are typically disengaged from politics. I know young adults who are excited about casting their first ballots. I know people who have lost their jobs and haven’t found any good prospects. I know people who are financially burdened by the effects of the Affordable Care Act in the form of higher insurance premiums and deductibles. People are looking for solutions.
People are also looking for solutions at the state and local levels. Our roads are in bad shape, and the General Assembly has yet to come up with a fix. The I-526 completion project appears not to have adequate funding to get implemented. Thousands of West Ashley residents were inconvenienced by flooding or had their homes damaged by it. On June 14, we will have the opportunity to nominate some problem-solvers.
The filing period for the June 14 primaries will run from Wed., Mar. 16 to Wed., Mar. 30 at the Charleston County Election Headquarters in North Charleston. When filing is completed, we’ll have a complete look at the playing field for June 14.
There should be many West Ashley seats involved in the primaries. In the State House, expect a Republican primary for House District 114, formerly held by Speaker Bobby Harrell. Incumbent Democrat Mary Tinkler has announced that she will run for County Treasurer. Senate District 41 will be vacated by Republican Paul Thurmond, and at least four Republicans will seek the office. Charleston County Council District 7, which will be vacated by Democrat Colleen Condon, will also likely attract a Republican primary.
The deadline to register to vote in the June 14 primaries is May 14. Find out about voter registration by calling 843-744-VOTE. Expect a series of Town Hall meetings at which voters can learn more about candidates and ask questions. We’re looking for problem-solvers in 2016!
John Steinberger is the former chairman of the Charleston County Republican Party,
a leading Fair Tax advocate, and a West Ashley resident. He can be reached at John.steinberger@scfairtax.org.