A general (regular) election for mayor and council is usually held every two years. In municipalities where the mayor and council members serve four-year terms, the terms, unless otherwise provided by ordinance, are staggered so voters elect the mayor and no more than half the council in the same election. Two years later, voters elect the other council members in another general election.

In municipalities where the term of office is two years, voters elect the mayor and entire council at the same time. Section 5-15-40.

If council decides to change the terms of office, it may do so by passing an ordinance. Sections 5- 15-20, 5-15-40, 5-15-70. Handbook for Municipal Officials in South Carolina 10 Under the provisions of the Voting Rights Act, the U.S. Department of Justice must approve or clear any change in terms of office prior to implementation. (See page 19 for information on current U.S. Department of Justice requirements)

Vacancy in Office

Voters must fill a mayor or council vacancy by election. The seat cannot be filled by appointment. If a vacancy occurs 180 days or more before the next municipal general election, council must order a special election to fill the unexpired term. Section 5-7-200(B). Section 7-13-190 prescribes the time for holding a special election to fill a vacancy. The U.S. Justice Department must approve or clear any discretionary setting of the special election date or scheduling of events leading up to or following a special election. 28 Code of Federal Regulations, Section 51.17. Otherwise, Justice Department clearance is not required prior to implementation.

Council may select, by ordinance, a partisan or nonpartisan nomination and election procedure, set filing dates for candidates, set times for filing nomination petitions, set times for holding conventions or primary elections, and prescribe the method for determining election results (plurality or majority vote). Sections 5-15-60 and 5-15-70.

South Carolina law provides that any citizen of the United States and of this state who is at least 18 years old, has resided within the municipality for 30 days prior to any municipal election, has been registered for more than 30 days and is not disqualified from being registered or voting is entitled to vote in all municipal elections held in his municipality of residence. Article II, Sections 4, 5, S.C. Constitution; Sections 7-5-120, 7-5-220, 7-5-610. An individual may submit an application to the county board of registration either in person or by mail. The individual must submit a registration by mail 30 days before the election. No special municipal registration is required. Sections 7-5-155, 7-5-170, 7-5-630. There are also provisions authorizing absentee voter registration. Sections 7-15-110 to 7-15-260.

An elector wishing to vote by absentee ballot must apply by mail to the county voter registration office. Section 7-15- 330. Generally, absentee ballots are available to individuals such as students, members of the armed services, overseas citizens, vacationers, disabled people and electors who are required to be at work when the polls are open. Section 7-15-320. For the qualified electors of this state who are eligible to vote as provided by the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (United States Code, Title 42, Section 1973ff, et seq.).

Andrews Recreation Center
220 South Cedar Ave
Andrews, SC 29510

 All elections times are 7:00am until 7:00pm.

 Register to vote: www.scvotes.org

Click the link below to get more information about filing to be a candidate. You can also call the South Carolina Election Commission directly at 803- 734-9060.

New Candidate Filing Rules - SC Votes - South Carolina Election Commission