Latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Midlands

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- South Carolina registered fewer new voters in this election year compared with 2008.

The State newspaper reported that about 145,000 new voters registered between Jan. 1 and Oct. 6 this year. That compares with about 187,000 registered during 2008 prior to the election deadline.

The South Carolina Election Commission reports about 17,000 people registered when an online system was offered between last Tuesday and last Saturday's deadline.

Election Commission spokesman Chris Whitmire says the new system has been very popular.

South Carolina is the 13th state to allow online voter registration. The system requires a South Carolina driver's license or state-issued ID to use.

Camden Rep. Laurie Funderburk says the new system is more efficient and accurate. She wrote the bill authorizing online registration.