If the number of candidates portends voter interest, we should see a big turnout for the Republican Party primary in the race for South Carolina's 1st District congressional seat.

Sixteen Republicans want the House of Representatives seat left vacant by Tim Scott's appointment to the U.S. Senate.

Two candidates are running for the Democratic Party nomination, which also should contribute to turnout.

The most important thing to remember for today's trip to the polls is a photo ID. The new law went into effect Jan. 1.

All voters will be asked to show one of the following:

A S.C. driver's license. Out-of-state licenses will not be accepted.

Another type of S.C. identification card issued by the S.C. Department of Motor Vehicles.

A S.C. voter registration card with a photo.

A federal military ID.

A U.S. passport.

Voters who forget their IDs can cast a provisional ballot that will be counted if they show a valid photo ID to county election officials before the primary is certified Thursday.

If there is a reasonable impediment to getting a photo ID, you can cast a ballot after you show your current voter registration card and sign an affidavit stating why you can't obtain a photo ID. Go to scvotes.org to see examples of what constitutes a reasonable impediment and more details about how to get a photo ID.

With 16 GOP candidates, we are very likely to see a runoff between the top two vote-getters on April 2. The special election is May 7.

Good luck to all the candidates.