LAURENS COUNTY, S.C. — Polls opened at 7 a.m. today across Laurens County for the 2026 General Election, and voters here will settle five contested races for the South Carolina House along with four contested seats on the county’s two school boards.
House District 14 has a three-way contest, with Republican Rick Shealy, Democrat Michanna Tate and Henry Jones of the United Citizens Party on the ballot. District 11 also has three names: Republican Craig Gagnon, Democrat Jessica Beasley and E.T. Williams of the United Citizens Party.
The other three House races are head-to-head. In District 13, Republican John McCravy faces Democrat Rauch Wise. District 16 pits Republican Mark Willis against Democrat Lynn Ramirez, and in District 42, Democrat Robert Williams is challenging Republican Doug Gilliam.
In Laurens County School District 56, Seat 6 is a race between Jake Patterson and Elizabeth Plaxico Lollis, while David Nabors and Jason R. Mode are vying for Seat 7. District 55 voters will pick between Cathy Little and Melissa Brown for Seat 2 and between Lee McDaniel and Nick Babb for Seat 6.
Higher up the ballot, voters will also find contested statewide races, among them the contests for governor, U.S. Senate, attorney general and state superintendent of education.
Voting today happens only at each voter’s assigned precinct, which can be looked up through the MyscVOTES service. The State Election Commission reminds voters to bring a photo ID, such as a South Carolina driver’s license, a DMV identification card or a federal military ID. Absentee ballots have to reach election officials by 7 p.m., the same hour polls close, and the commission will begin posting results after that.
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