By admin 
Editor’s note: This story has been updated with Darline Graham’s plans to run in the special primary election.
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South Carolina doesn’t typically hold state-level primary elections in August, but after the death of Sen. Lindsey Graham, voters will select a new Republican senate nominee next month.
Graham beat out five other candidates in his June primary, taking around 57% of the vote. In the wake of his death, South Carolina will hold a special Republican primary for U.S. Senate. Election Day is Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
Here’s what Horry County voters should know about who’s running and when, where and how to make their voices heard this election season.
Who’s on the special election ballot?
Although she has no political experience, the late senator’s sister, Darline Graham, will finish his senate term and says she plans to run for a full six-year term after.
So far, seven candidates have announced their intention to run:
- U.S. Rep. Russell Fry
- U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman
- Duke Buckner
- Darline Graham
- Mark Lynch
- Mark McBride
- Clark Nielson
- Samuel Shepherd
How to vote in the special election
Early voting
During the early voting period – which will run from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from Wednesday, Aug. 5, through Friday, Aug. 7 – voters can cast ballots at any early voting location in their county.
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The Horry County early voting polling places include:
- The Voters Registration and Elections at 1515 4th Avenue, Conway, SC 29526
- South Strand Recreation Center at 9650 Scipio Lane, Myrtle Beach, SC 29588
- North Strand Recreation Center at 120 Highway 57 S, Little River, SC 29566
Election Day voting
On Election Day – Tuesday, June 9, 2026, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. – all voters must cast a ballot at their precinct’s polling location.
Voters can find their voting precinct and view their sample ballot from the South Carolina Election Commission at the MySCVotes website. The search requires a first and last name, county of residence and last four Social Security number digits.
Who can vote in the special election?
Only registered voters who didn’t cast ballots in the June Democratic primary are eligible to vote in the special Republican primary. Those who voted in the Republican primary or didn’t vote at all can participate.
South Carolina residents can also check their voter registration online on the MySCVotes website. To cast a ballot, all voters need a photo ID.
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Eligible forms of ID include:
- South Carolina driver’s license
- South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles ID card
- South Carolina concealed weapons permit
- South Carolina voter registration card with a photo
- Temporary Identification Certificate
- U.S. passport
- Federal military ID