S.C. Auto Insurance Rates

The average auto insurance expenditure in South Carolina remains below the national average according to a recent study released by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. South Carolina drivers on average spend $756.11 per year on auto insurance which is $61 less than the national average of $817.11 according to the latest study from 2006 just released. The average expenditure estimates what consumers in South Carolina spent, on average, for auto insurance in 2006.

The South Carolina General Assembly passed legislation requiring an increase in the minimum amounts of liability insurance coverage which took effect January 1, 2007. Act 395 requires drivers to carry liability coverage in amounts of no less than $25,000 of bodily injury per person, $50,000 of bodily injury per accident and $25,000 of property damage coverage (usually written as 25/50/25).

Neighboring States

Georgia $788.08

Florida $1,069.38

North Carolina $596.39

Virginia $684.52

State Senate

Today, Senate Majority Leader Harvey Peeler (R-Gaffney) released the following statement on the outcome of last night’s election:

“Last night was a huge win for the Senate Republican Caucus. The Caucus maintained a 27-19 majority in an election cycle that was focused on change. I believe the Senate Republican Caucus had the right message and the right messengers at the right time. But, now is no time to rest on our laurels. We have watched the national party struggle while South Carolina and the Senate Republican Caucus were able to hold their ground. As a party, we must focus on the real life issues that impact
people every day.

“Senate candidates ran on a host of issues that are vitally important to the state. Issues such as roll call votes, spending limits, government accountability, alternative energy sources, and achieving the right balance between growth and conservation are issues the Caucus and its members are committed to tackling.

“Over the next four years, I think you will see the Caucus advance these and other key issues. Issues that will have a long term effect on the state and the way things are done in Columbia.”

Darlington County Turnout

Of the 38,536 registered voters in Darlington County, 29,568 cast ballots, a whopping 76.73 percent!

Record Turnout

With an overwhelming number of voters participating in the voting process, the South Carolina State Election Commission estimates a record turnout that is likely to exceed the previous record set in 2004 of 70 percent.

“This is a huge testament to the citizens of South Carolina and their ability to come together at this dynamic time,” said Marci Andino, executive director of the South Carolina State Election Commission. “The fact that this state has more than 2.5 million registered voters, most of whom participated in today’s General Election, is monumental. We appreciate their preparation, enthusiasm and patience as they went to the polls and cast their ballots today.”

“More than 20,000 poll workers and election officials across the state worked diligently in the months and weeks leading up to this election to ensure the day ran as smoothly as possible and we are thankful for their tireless efforts,” added Andino.

The record for total number of voters participating in an election was set in 2004 (1,631,000 voted, 70% participation).

The record for turnout based on percentage of registered voters was set in 1992 (1,237,000 voted, 80% participation).

Election Results

The state Web site has the unofficial results updating throughout the evening too. Here.

Of course, I find it odd that with 0 of 46 counties reporting, CNN and others are calling the state already.

Vote Today!

The polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. today.

You have 3 minutes in the voting booth, so know ahead of time how you plan to vote. For information on the Races and state Constitutional amendments, click here.

Also, there have been reports of massive turnout in our area. One woman waited nearly an hour to vote. Be prepared to wait in line ... and bring an umbrella!

10 am Absentee Ballot Counts

As of 10 a.m. this morning, almost 350,000 people have voted absentee in South Carolina. Darlington County has seen more than 6,000 absentee votes.

Absentee voting continues at the voter registration office until 5 p.m. today.