SEANNA ADCOX
Associated Press
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - South Carolina voters are turning out in heavy numbers to select their president, Congress and Legislature, and to decide whether future governors can choose a running mate.
State Election Commission spokesman Chris Whitmire says he's gotten reports Tuesday of very busy polling stations and a heavy turnout across the state.
Long lines have been reported around Richland County and in Columbia, Whitmire says everyone in line by 7 p.m. will be allowed to vote.
Whitmire says workers must keep the polls open to accommodate such voters.
Polls opened at 7 a.m. following a record number of absentee voters.
About 376,000 South Carolinians had voted absentee by late Monday afternoon, surpassing the previous high set in 2008 by more than 33,000 voters.