Marlboro County announces election office move, early voting dates and Smithsonian exhibit

County staff provided several community-service updates at the Sept. 10 Marlboro County Council meeting that affect voters, recreation users and residents.

Christina Thompson of the Election Commission thanked council for the new Plaza Building space to house voting equipment and said Homeland Security and election officials were pleased with the facility. Thompson said the commission plans a soft opening later in September, reminded residents the voter-registration deadline is Oct. 4, and announced early voting at the courthouse will begin Oct. 21 and run weekdays 8:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

Lynn McQueen of the Marlboro County Museum said the Smithsonian "Spark! Places of Innovation" exhibit will be hosted at the Murchison Building from Sept. 21 to Nov. 2 at no cost to the county; she asked for council and community visits and noted volunteers will help staff the exhibit.

Recreation Director Gerod Coachman reported strong youth-program registrations (Football: 129; Soccer: 119; Cheerleading: 74) and described a successful recent jamboree; he said recreation operations are relocating into the old Voter Registration Building and staff are coordinating signage and outreach.

County Administrator Wilson A. Clyburn and Jamal Campbell, Director of Operations, issued operational notices: FEMA-related expenses are reimbursable; convenience center locations and hours were provided and residents were urged to avoid illegal dumping; mosquito spraying began Sept. 9 and will continue every two weeks through mid-October (residents with beehives were given a contact number); and the humane society shelter was closed and not accepting animal drop-offs.

What happens next: Election staff will complete a soft opening of the Plaza Building and prepare for early voting beginning Oct. 21. The museum exhibit opens Sept. 21 and will run through Nov. 2.