COLUMBIA, S.C. — Early voting has begun for Richland County residents represented by state Senate District 19. The seat became vacant after the death of 69-year-old Sen. John Scott on August 13. Scott had served the area for 18 years, first in the South Carolina House of Representatives, then in the State Senate beginning in 2009.
There are four candidates in the race:
- Dr. Michael Addison, (Independent) semi-retired physician, who says he would like to get money for businesses in the district to expand through grants and small-interest rate loans.
- Tameika Isaac Devine (Democrat) former City of Columbia councilwoman who served almost 20 years in one of the city's two at-large districts, which means it represents the entire city, rather than a portion of town
- Chris Nelums, (United Citizens Party) pastor, entrepreneur who says he believes real change will come from the community standing up for itself. Nelums ran for Commissioner of Agriculture in 2022.
- Kizzie Smalls, (Republican) real estate agent, who says she's pro-business and community empowerment, for school choice, enhancing public safety, and government transparency.
Early voting began Monday, Dec. 18, and will run through Friday, Dec. 29. Voters can cast their votes at one of the following locations:
- Richland County Voter Registration and Elections, 2020 Hampton St., Columbia, SC 29204, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Richland County Early Voting Center, 2011 Hampton St., Columbia, SC 29204, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Both locations will be closed Friday, Dec. 22 through Tuesday, Dec. 26, in observance of state holidays.
Registered voters will need to provide a valid ID when voting in person. If you are unable to vote early in person, you may be eligible to vote absentee. Completed absentee voting applications must be returned no later than 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 27.
To apply to vote absentee, contact the Richland County Voter Registration office:
Richland County Voter Registration Office
2020 Hampton St., Columbia, SC 29204
803-576-2240
On January 2, 2024, the polls will be open from 7am to 7pm. To view your sample ballot or locate your polling location visit SCVOTES.gov