COLUMBIA, S.C. — Tuesday, November 7, is election day across South Carolina and there are quite a few municipal elections in the Midlands area where voters will be choosing their next mayors and town councils.
Among the key races are two town council seats in Columbia, as well mayoral races in Blythewood, Cayce, Irmo, Newberry, and West Columbia.
It's important to note: check to see if you have an election in your area before going to the polls. Many voters may not have a contest, depending on where you live. In Richland County, for example, unless you live in the city limits of Arcadia Lakes, Blythewood, Columbia or Irmo, there are no races for you to vote in. Lee County has no races whatsoever.
And when you do, check your precinct. That very likely may be different than where you're used to voting. (Precinct changes for Columbia are below).
Here are the basics that you’ll need to know before you head out to cast your ballot:
When are polls open on Election Day in South Carolina?
Most important: Polls are open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. Tuesday at your local precinct listed on your Voter ID card. Double check the location at scvotes.gov if you are unsure. If you are in line to vote at 7 p.m., you will be allowed to cast your vote.
What to bring: When voting in person, you will be asked to show one of the following photo IDs at your polling place:
- SC Driver's License
- SC Department of Motor Vehicles ID Card (includes SC Concealed Weapons Permit)
- SC Voter Registration Card with Photo
- Federal Military ID (includes all Department of Defense photo IDs and the Department of Veterans Affairs Benefits card)
- US Passport
How do I check my South Carolina voter registration? Where do I vote?
Make sure your voter registration is up-to-date online at info.scvotes.gov where you can check your personal information, the location of your voting precinct, and which voting districts you are in.
How can I view my South Carolina sample ballot?
After entering your information at info.scvotes.gov, you can click on the button at the bottom of the window and view the sample ballot you will use when you cast your vote.
Your ballot is tailored to your specific information and location and therefore may differ from your friends' or family member's sample ballot if they live in a different voting district.
Can I write in a vote? Yes. There is room on the ballot for write-in votes.
- On a touch-screen ballot, a candidate's name can be written in by touching the "write-in" space under the appropriate office. A keyboard should pop up and you can enter the candidate
- On a paper ballot, write in the candidate's name under the appropriate office using either a pen or pencil and then darken the oval next to the write-in line on the ballot. Stickers, stamps or decals with the candidate's name are not permitted.
What races are being held and who is running?
Here is a list of the local municipal contests and who is running in each race:
CALHOUN COUNTY
Cameron Town Council (pick 2)
- Gladys Gardner-Simmons
- Terry Fowler
- Minnie Haigler
St. Matthews Mayor
- Helen Carson
- Donald White
CLARENDON COUNTY
Turbeville Mayor
- Tammy Hicks
- Albert Mobley
Turbeville Town Council (Vote for 2)
- Ericson Coker
- Judy Coker
- Solomon Sheriod Jr.
KERSHAW COUNTY
Bethune Town Council (Vote for 2 2)
- Zach Brennan
- John Fulmer
- John Heflin
- Cynthia Hunter
- Charles McCoy
LEXINGTON COUNTY
Batesburg-Leesville Council 4
- Betty Harley
- Johnnie Speech-Lemon
Batesburg-Leesville Council 6
- Tilman Gives
- Paul Wise
Cayce Mayor
- Abbott Bray
- Elise Partin
Cayce City Council 2
- Marie Brown
- James Jenkins
- Byron Thomas
Cayce City Council 4
- Phil Carter
- Melvin Fields
- Marcy Hayden
Irmo Mayor
- Bill Danielson
- Barry Walker
Irmo Town Council (Vote for 2)
- Jeff Allen
- Phyllis Coleman
- George Frazier
- Gabriel Penfield
- Erik Sickinger
Lexington Town Council (Vote for 3)
- Will Allen
- Greg Brewer
- Edwin Gerace
- Matthew Graham
- Todd Lyle
- Jeannie Michaels
- Amelia Pocta
Pelion Town Council (pick 2)
- John Downer
- John Elkin
- Daniel Shumpert
West Columbia City Council 4
- Joseph Dickey Jr.
- Ronnie Linder
West Columbia City Council 6
- Jimmy Brooks
- Madison Duncan
West Columbia City Council 8
- Pete Fisher
- Dave Moye
West Columbia City Council 7 Special Election
- Trisha Lekovich
- Sarah Mattern
West Columbia Mayor
- Tem Miles
- Melissa Browne
ORANGEBURG COUNTY
Bowman Mayor
- Ike Carter
- UFO Man
- Patsy Rhett
Bowman Town Council (Vote for 2)
- UFO Man
- Shaquetta Pelzer
- Deleasera Roger
- Ada Smith
Branchville Town Council (Vote for 3)
- Clayton Baker
- Eddie Hewitt
- Paulus Jumper
- Crystal McKibbin
- Gregory Oliver
Elloree City Council 3
- Luke Hartung
- James Ulmer
North Mayor
- Wanda Whetstone
- Daniel Jackson
Springfield Town Council (pick 4)
- Gregory Abendroth
- Tiffany Brice
- Francine Edwards
- Rebecca Jones
- Allen Stanley
- Chris Warriner
Vance Town Council (pick 2)
- Caroline Bush
- Barbara Montgomery
NEWBERRY COUNTY
Newberry Mayor
- Gary Palmer
- Foster Senn
Newberry City Council 5
- Jackie Holmes
- Paige Sheena
RICHLAND COUNTY
Blythewood Mayor
- Bryan Franklin
- Sloan Griffin III
Blythewood Town Council (Vote for 2)
- Eddie Baughman
- Donald Brock Jr.
- Andrea Fripp
- Patricia Hovis
Voters in Columbia's municipal election, please note the following precinct changes:
Columbia City Council 3
- Moe Baddourah
- Will Brennan
Columbia City Council at Large
- Tyler Bailey
- Jesse Bullard
- Christa Williams
SUMTER COUNTY
Mayesville Mayor
- Chris Brown
- Jereleen Miller