YORK COUNTY, S.C. — The election is weeks away. Early voting already underway. And this year, registration could be one for the record books.
Key congressional races in the Carolinas could shift the balance of power in D.C.
"It's kind of uncommon for an off-year election."
As more and more people look to make their voices heard, in York and Lancaster counties, the South Carolina election commission reported there are more than 6,000 new voters than there were during the 2016 presidential election.
"This increased registration could be fascinating to watch," said Scott Huffmon.
It's all because one block, in particular, is flexing its muscle: Women. 93 percent of eligible women are registered.
"If you're a Republican, you better start paying attention to what Republican women want. If you're a Democrat, you better start paying attention to what the Democrat women want," said Huffmon.
Women are demanding a seat at the table.
"Women are so powerful, and I think wives and mothers generally are so unified around the same issues," said Beth Harris, wife of Republican candidate, Mark Harris.
It seems women are unified in their interest on the issues but divided about how they feel, especially when it comes to the "Me Too" movement.
"Women who are involved in the 'Me Too' movement on the Democratic side feel that their voices are being ignored, but there is an interesting backlash on the Republican side," Huffmon said.
Republican women are doubling down, saying the allegations of sexual assault are going too far.
"I hear it everywhere from women, as you said, that feel like they have a need to protect their sons or their husbands or whoever," said Mark Harris.
Huffmon said there's a political power shift happening, and the outcome of the election could hinge on which way women swing.
"As they turn out in larger numbers, their voice becomes the one that both sides are seeking to represent in their own way," said Huffmon.
