The Cost of the Vote: George Elmore and the Battle for the Ballot

by Carolyn Click

One man's struggle for ballot access reveals the community of activists who shaped the civil rights movement in South Carolina

232 pages, Hardcover

Published February 11, 2025

Reviews

[VRav · Rating 5 out of 5]

Growing up in South Carolina in the 1970s/1980s, we were never taught about George Elmore, who challenged the all White Democratic primary and was vindicated by the courts, giving Black and other non-White residents the ability to vote in the only primary of consequence at the time - but even more compelling about the book is how it explains the consequences to George Elmore and his family (and others) for standing up for the right to cast a ballot. On a positive note, South Carolina schools now teach about George Elmore's courageous actions which ushered in a more democratic society and helped in the struggle to achieve justice for all - still a work in progress.

[Brad Sauls · Rating 4 out of 5]

A warrior in the fight for Civil Rights, George Elmore of Columbia, South Carolina, gets his due acknowledgement for his courage and sacrifice. Standing up for voting rights by putting his name on a case to end the whites-only primary was costly for himself and his family. The book is a fine introduction to the overall story of the civil rights struggle in South Carolina.

[TC Britt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story and great to learn about this slice of history. The storytelling itself is a little redundant at times.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned so much from all of Carolyn's research. Thank goodness for people like George Elmore.

[Judy Walker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some editing errors. Good to have this story explored and well-documented.