Smooth Operator

So it looks like everything went smoothly for this election. The South Carolina Election Commission has reported no problems with the electronic voting machines that wreaked havoc last week.

About 38,000 people were issued absentee ballots for this primary, 16,000 more than for the Republican primary last week.

Many counties are also reporting heavier turnout today.

“This level of combined voter participation in these presidential primaries is very encouraging,” said Marci Andino, executive director of the South Carolina Election Commission, in a news release. “This speaks well to the interest of South Carolina voters in this year’s presidential election process.”

Additionally,” Andino said, “all reports indicate that the voting process is running smoothly.”

Polling places will remain open throughout the state until 7:00 p.m.

Unofficial results and estimated turnout will be available this evening at www.scvotes.org .