South Carolina governor's goof delays his vote

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SULLIVAN'S ISLAND, South Carolina (CNN) -- A sheepish Gov. Mark Sanford was turned away from a South Carolina polling place Tuesday because he forgot his voter registration card.

The casting of ballots in front of the news media is a well-worn tradition for politicians, but it was no Kodak moment when Sanford discovered he had left his card behind.

Off camera, South Carolina first lady Jenny Sanford could be heard telling her husband that she had reminded him to bring it. (Watch the governor's embarrassing discovery and his wife's stunned reaction -- 2:09)

Eventually, the poll manager at Sullivan's Island Elementary School politely told the governor that he couldn't vote unless he had a registration card.

The first lady's identification was in order, and she was allowed to vote, said poll manager Bob Crawford, according to The Associated Press.

Later, Sanford told reporters that his card was in the capital, Columbia, but he planned to obtain a replacement immediately so he could cast a ballot.

"We had the number, we could read it over the phone, but as a credit to the poll manager, she said that ain't enough -- you've got to have the card," the governor said. "I'll vote here shortly."

Sanford said he admired the poll manager for being conscientious.

His office later said the governor had returned to the polling station and successfully voted.

According to the South Carolina State Elections Commission's Web site, voters can obtain a duplicate registration card -- even on Election Day -- if their card is lost or stolen.

The Republican is expected to win his bid for re-election against Democratic state Sen. Tommy Moore.

Sanford has had a tough few days.

Bright stage lights injured his eyes on Sunday, forcing him to skip campaigning on Monday to go to the doctor and recuperate, AP reported.

Sanford's eyes were red and watery as he stood in line at the voting site on Tuesday, but he told AP, "It's behind me and the prognosis is good."

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