But on Tuesday, it's time for voters to follow through.
The vacancy yielded eight candidates for the seat that Lloyd held since being elected in 1996. Of the five elections that his name was on the ballot, only in three was he challenged.
Even during his last election victory in 2004, voters showing up in downtown Beaufort precincts sparred with poll workers, arguing that because they lived downtown they were not in Lloyd's precinct, but in Rep. Catherine Ceips'. Poll workers were very patient in informing the voters that they are, in fact, in District 121.
Lloyd has done a lot for his precinct, which now comprises more than 14,000 registered voters in Beaufort and Colleton counties, with 62 percent in northern Beaufort County, including Yemassee and Sheldon, part of Burton, all of Pigeon Point and downtown Beaufort north of North Street and west of Charles Street. But voter apathy in past elections was an unsettling foreshadowing into the special election. The district includes 5,293 registered voters in southern Colleton County and 8,803 voters from northern Beaufort County.
Thankfully, both the local Republicans and Democrats fielded enough candidates to hold a primary race, to further whittle the candidates. On Tuesday, Beaufort Republican Jennifer Bailey and Colleton Democrat Kenneth Hodges, who is a Beaufort businessman, hope to fill the seat.
Voter turnout for the race probably will yield a paltry showing Tuesday. But with such a chance to choose a candidate that represents your values, beliefs and interests, coming out to the polls to vote is paramount to having the best person for the job in office.
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday. Readers will find a list of polling places on page 7A in Monday's Beaufort Gazette.
On Tuesday, make your voice heard.