North Charleston, September 24, 2025
News Summary
North Charleston, SC, is exploring reforms to its city council election process in response to corruption challenges. Options under consideration include staggering election terms and aligning them with major national elections to enhance voter engagement. Current elections see all councilmembers elected every four years, a system differing from nearby cities. Recent corruption-related turnover among council members underscored the need for change, as officials strive to improve governance and election participation.
North Charleston, South Carolina is currently evaluating potential reforms to its city council election process amid challenges related to corruption. The city, which is the third-largest in the state, has all 10 districted councilmembers and the mayor elected every four years. This approach differs from other nearby cities such as Charleston and Mount Pleasant, which stagger their council elections every two years.
Proponents of staggering the election terms argue that this method will assist in retaining institutional knowledge within city government, potentially leading to more effective governance. However, there are challenges related to transitioning to this system. One concern is the likelihood of decreased voter turnout in elections when there is no mayor’s race, as explained by the executive director of the Charleston County Board of Voter Registration and Elections. Additionally, voter fatigue is a significant issue, as residents may find themselves facing too many elections in rapid succession.
A proposal put forth by Saint Julian Corey Van Hannegeyn IV aims to align North Charleston’s elections with major national election cycles, such as presidential and congressional races. According to this plan, elections for all councilmembers and the mayor would take place in 2027, followed by staggered elections in 2028 and 2030.
Another plan was introduced during the Sept. 18 Committee of the Whole meeting suggesting an initial two-year term for one group of councilmembers in 2027. The selection of which councilmembers would serve this two-year term would be determined by a coin toss conducted by Mayor Reggie Burgess, after which the terms would revert to the standard four years.
City Council members have not yet passed the ordinance and are opting to take additional time to evaluate possible alternatives. Councilwoman Rhonda Jerome is among those supporting the idea of staggering terms to mitigate turnover in council seats, especially in light of the upcoming mayoral election in 2023 due to the retirement of Mayor Keith Summey.
Recent turnover has been notable, occurring due to a federal investigation that led to the resignation of two councilmembers who were implicated in corruption. Conversely, Councilwoman Nefertiti Brown has expressed opposition to staggering terms, arguing that the recent changes in council makeup are not representative of ongoing trends but rather resulted from unique scenarios.
District 7 Councilman Mike Brown Jr. has raised concerns regarding the financial implications associated with more frequent election cycles for candidates. On the other hand, Councilwoman Stephanie Ganaway-Pasley advocated for staggered terms, emphasizing the need for stable governance and continuity for ongoing projects within city government.
Earlier this year, special elections in North Charleston were held to fill council vacancies left by former councilmembers Jerome Heyward and Sandino Moses, who both pleaded guilty to corruption charges. Voter turnout in these special elections was surprisingly low, reported at just 11.28%. A total of 15 candidates contested for the two council seats available during these elections.
Key Features of North Charleston’s Election Reform Discussion
- City officials are proposing changes to the current election cycle.
- All councilmembers and the mayor are currently elected every four years.
- Proposals include staggering elections and aligning them with national cycles.
- Corruption-related turnover has triggered discussions about the election process.
FAQ Section
What changes is North Charleston considering for its city council elections?
North Charleston is evaluating potential reforms to its city council election process, including the possibility of staggering election terms.
How often are the city council and mayor currently elected?
All 10 districted councilmembers and the mayor are currently elected every four years.
What are the concerns related to transitioning to staggered elections?
There are concerns about decreased voter turnout in elections without a mayor’s race, as well as the potential for voter fatigue from too many elections in close succession.
What are the plans proposed for aligning North Charleston’s elections?
A proposal includes elections for all councilmembers and the mayor in 2027, with staggered elections following in 2028 and 2030.
What has prompted the discussions regarding election reforms in North Charleston?
Recent turnover due to a federal investigation into corruption and the pending retirement of Mayor Keith Summey have prompted discussions about the city’s election reforms.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Charleston County Announces Finalists for Sticker Design Contest
Powerball Jackpot Hits $99 Million with Winning Numbers Announced
City Council Candidate Forum Held in Charleston
Charleston Mobilizes for National Voter Registration Day
Construction Begins on Ashley River Crossing Pedestrian Bridge
North Charleston Corruption Case: Guilty Plea and Potential Sentencing
Charleston: Real Estate Trends Reveal High Demand for Antebellum Homes
Folly Beach Prepares for New Mayor as Tim Goodwin Steps Down
Army and Navy Bands to Perform Free Concerts in North Charleston
Rip Current Warning Issued in Charleston as Hurricane Erin Approaches
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: North Charleston Staggered Election Terms
- ABC News 4: North Charleston Holds Special Election
- Count on 2: Early Voting Opens for North Charleston Special Election
- Live 5 News: Charleston County Voter Ambassador Program
- Wikipedia: Elections in the United States
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
