LANCASTER COUNTY, S.C. — South Carolina is now on its second day of early voting and setting records. On day one of early voting over 125,000 people cast their ballots.
Beyond casting ballots for preferred candidates, Lancaster County voters will decide the fate of a $588 million school bond that will go towards several projects in the Lancaster County School District, including the construction of four new schools.
Neighbors who lined up to vote Tuesday said they are making their voice count at the polls.
“Voting is probably the most important piece of participating in democracy,” said Lorenzo Vanelli, who was voting early on Tuesday.
“It is a privilege, really, to vote,” said Margaret Gorman, an Indian Land resident who was out to cast her ballot.
The bond will allocate the money district-wide:
- $26.5 million to the Buford community
- $315.6 million to Indian land
- $95 million to Kershaw
- $113,450,000 to Lancaster
Projects part of the bond include two new schools in Indian Land. Lancaster could see a new elementary school and the consolidation of 2 schools. In Kershaw, a similar plan could be carried out.
All of this is part of the proposed plan to deal with growth and overcrowding in the district. It would also improve the learning environment for students, according to the district.
“Some people may want the schools built while others may not," said Tasheika Christie-Gybson, who was voting Tuesday, "but I think it is important to have a say on what is done."
The funding will also go towards safety and security upgrades in all schools in the district like weapon detection systems, camera upgrades, and security fencing. Other projects include an athletic field, new school buses and upgrades to all schools in the district.
The bond will increase the school debt millage rate from 65 to 79. Residents could see an increase in property and sales taxes.
“A little percent increase, just to make sure our kids have a good education, is def a good tradeoff for me,” said Vanelli.
“It’s a good thing because the money is needed,” said Gestine Brown, another neighbor from Indian Land casting her vote.
Contact Jesse Pierre at jpierrepet@wcnc.com or follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.