BEAUFORT, S.C. — Beaufort County shoppers will pay a penny more on many purchases to pay for road projects after voters narrowly backed a transportation sales tax Tuesday in an election that drew more ballots than any in county history, unofficial results show.
The transportation sales tax passed by a thin margin, with 50.76 percent voting yes. It can last up to nine years or end once $780 million comes in, and it lifts the county rate to 7 percent, up from 6, on many goods. A companion question letting the county borrow up to $450 million against the tax, so projects can start sooner, won 51.44 percent.
In all, 86,689 ballots were cast in the county, including 46,300 during early voting, for turnout of 61 percent. The 2022 midterms drew 72,326 votes, about 52 percent of registered voters.
County voters leaned Republican at the top of the ticket as well. Alan Wilson carried Beaufort County with 55.47 percent on his way to the governor’s office, and Darline Graham won the county with 50.49 percent even as Annie Andrews took the Senate seat statewide. Republicans also won every county council race. David Cadd was elected auditor and Maria Walls treasurer.
Results stay unofficial until they are certified.
Section: More Beaufort SC politics news
Filed under: Beaufort SC Politics News
