Categories: CommunityEvents/What's HappeningMount Pleasant SCNews

Upcoming Special Elections in Charleston County

Voters participating in the special elections at a polling station in Charleston County

News Summary

Charleston County residents are gearing up for special elections on March 25, 2025. Key local positions, including a Town Council seat in Mount Pleasant, are contested by multiple candidates. Polling hours are from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with new locations announced for specific precincts. Residents are encouraged to participate, as local elections can greatly affect the community and turnout is often lower than presidential elections.

Exciting Special Elections Coming Up in Charleston County!

Attention all Charleston County residents! Get ready to mark your calendars because the special elections are just around the corner! On March 25, 2025, voters will head to the polls to make their voices heard with some important local elections taking place.

Polling Hours and Locations

The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on election day. Excited yet? You should be! Voters will have the chance to make significant decisions that impact the community. It’s essential to note the new polling locations for some precincts. If you usually vote at the SC National Guard Armory, check carefully—voters in precincts 3, 15, and 16 will have new voting spots this year. That means:

Precinct 3 will cast their votes at the Hilton Garden Inn.
Precinct 15 will head to the Mount Pleasant Library.
Precinct 16 will find their polling place at the Mount Pleasant Fire Department Station 3.

What’s on the Ballot?

In Mount Pleasant, there’s a Town Council seat that’s up for grabs following the departure of Carl Ritchie, who has recently taken on the role of Charleston County sheriff. A whopping ten candidates have thrown their hats into the ring for this coveted position. The candidates making their pitches include:

Jordan Bryngelson
Bob Swain
Mike Tinkey
Mike Van Horn Sr.
David Smith
Brianna Harmon
Garrett Lacy
Derek Johnson

Although Gary Davis has officially withdrawn from the race as of March 21, 2025, his name will still appear on the ballot as he recently endorsed Bob Swain. While there’s a flurry of candidates for the Town Council, only one candidate, Courtney Waters, is on the ballot for House District 113, which covers most of North Charleston. Waters previously won the Democratic primary in January to fill the vacancy left by Marvin Pendarvis.

Early Voting and Why Your Vote Matters

So far, early voting has brought in a modest 116 ballots for the Town Council race, while just 23 early voters have taken part in the contest for House District 113. Keep in mind that special elections often see lower voter turnout than presidential elections. But that doesn’t mean your vote isn’t crucial! Local elections can be decided by just a handful of votes, so every ballot truly matters.

The Charleston County Board of Voter Registration and Elections is strongly encouraging everyone to get involved. Getting to the polls not only shows support for candidates but also shapes the future of the community!

What’s Next?

Mayor William Haynie is hopeful that residents will show up in droves to choose representatives that can bring the community together. There are discussions on how to promote better voter engagement and increase accessibility to the voting process, so everyone has a chance to voice their opinion.

Remember, whether you’re passionate about local issues or looking to support a specific candidate, your participation is key! So be sure to grab your valid photo ID — whether it’s a South Carolina driver’s license, a voter registration card with photo, federal military ID, or a U.S. passport — and prepare to cast your ballot on March 25. Let’s make our voices heard!