Straight Party Voting in South Carolina
Straight party voting has remained dominant in South Carolina elections, with over 50% of voters selecting this option in most general elections since 2008. While usage peaked in 2020 at nearly 64%, recent elections like 2024 have slightly declined, indicating growing voter independence. Despite this trend, partisan loyalty plays a strong role in shaping the state’s electoral outcomes.
Statewide Straight Party Voting
2022 General Election
Total straight party percentage: 54.04% Total straight party votes: 928,748
Total ballots cast: 1,718,626
2014 General Election
Total straight party percentage: 49.52%
Total straight party votes: 624,760
Total ballots cast: 1,261,611
2020 General Election
Total straight party percentage: 63.72%
Total straight party votes: 1,613,985
Total ballots cast: 2,533,010
2012 General Election
Total straight party percentage: 48.40%
Total straight party votes: 959,052
Total ballots cast: 1,981,516
2018 General Election
Total straight party percentage: 63.05%
Total straight party votes: 1,088,589
Total ballots cast: 1,726,527
2010 General Election
Total straight party percentage: 49.43%
Total straight party votes: 674,949
Total ballots cast: 1,365,480
2016 General Election
Total straight party percentage: 50.42%
Total straight party votes: 1,070,752
Total ballots cast: 2,123,584
2008 General Election
Total straight party percentage: 49.41%
Total straight party votes: 959,231
Total ballots cast: 1,941,480
Sources: South Carolina State Election Commission