Charleston, September 18, 2025
News Summary
The Charleston community is gearing up for National Voter Registration Day, scheduled for September 19. Local officials, including Haley Oryell from the Charleston County Board of Elections, are striving to enhance voter engagement by reaching out to residents. Volunteers will set up registration tables in various community locations. With the goal of closing the voter turnout gap between age groups, partnerships with local businesses will also provide incentives for new registrants.
Charleston
Charleston community members and local officials are mobilizing for National Voter Registration Day, a nonpartisan effort aimed at increasing voter registration across the United States. The initiative will take place on September 19, 2023, with local groups encouraging residents to participate in the voter registration process.
In Charleston County, Haley Oryell, the community engagement manager for the Charleston County Board of Elections, is leading the charge. Oryell indicated that this day celebrates democracy, inspiring individuals to get registered and prepared to vote. The effort aims to reach people who have moved, changed their names, or have never registered before, emphasizing the goal of enhancing local, state, and national voter engagement.
Volunteers will be setting up registration tables at various locations, including libraries, colleges, and community centers. The initiative aims to increase the number of new voters and remind citizens that registering is the crucial first step toward participating in critical decisions that affect their communities.
Oryell has noted a significant gap in voter turnout between younger residents and older populations in Charleston County. In response, a new partnership has been established this year with local businesses, including City Lights, Eastside, and Sky Zone, to offer promotions for those who register to vote.
In South Carolina, residents must register to vote at least 30 days prior to an election. Consequently, the last deadline to register online for the upcoming November election is Sunday, October 5 at 11:59 p.m., while the last day to register in person is October 3, 2025. Currently, Charleston County has approximately 270,000 active, registered voters, but the expected voter turnout for the municipal elections on November 4 is projected to be between 15-20%.
Since the inception of National Voter Registration Day in 2012, over a million people have registered to vote on this day nationwide, showcasing the impact of collective efforts to engage voters. To further enhance community involvement, the Charleston County Board of Voter Registration and Elections has initiated a Voter Ambassador Program. This program trains residents to host voter registration drives and educate others about the voting process. Last year, approximately 150 residents participated in this program.
Voting data shows that voter turnout in Charleston County reached 65% in the last major election, with 216,459 out of 332,681 registered voters casting their ballots. The importance of educating ambassadors in communities to help others understand the significance of voting has been highlighted as one of the key elements of this initiative. Training sessions in the Voter Ambassador Program will cover various topics, including voter registration laws, instructions for completing applications, and information about absentee ballot processes.
Upcoming training sessions for the Voter Ambassador Program are set to take place at the Charleston County Elections headquarters in North Charleston, providing opportunities for residents to become better informed about the electoral process. Community members like Jeri Cabot are advocating for ongoing voter education and engagement, which are viewed as essential components for enhancing participation in upcoming elections.
Given the importance of voter registration and engagement, the Charleston community is working diligently to create a more informed and involved electorate as the November municipal elections approach.
FAQ
What is National Voter Registration Day?
National Voter Registration Day is a nonpartisan effort aimed at increasing voter registration across the U.S.
When is National Voter Registration Day in 2023?
National Voter Registration Day will take place on September 19, 2023.
What is the goal of National Voter Registration Day in Charleston County?
The goal is to add new voters and remind everyone that registration is the first step in participating in local, state, and national decisions.
What are the registration deadlines for the November election in South Carolina?
The last deadline to register online for the November election is Sunday, October 5 at 11:59 p.m. The last day to register in person is October 3, 2025.
What is the expected voter turnout for the upcoming municipal elections in Charleston County?
The expected voter turnout for the upcoming municipal elections in Charleston County is projected to be between 15-20%.
How many active, registered voters are there in Charleston County?
Charleston County has approximately 270,000 active, registered voters.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | National Voter Registration Day |
| Date | September 19, 2023 |
| Location | Charleston County |
| Registration Deadline (Online) | October 5, 2023, 11:59 p.m. |
| Registration Deadline (In-Person) | October 3, 2025 |
| Expected Voter Turnout | 15-20% |
| Active Registered Voters | Approximately 270,000 |
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Additional Resources
- ABC News 4: SC Officials Remind Charleston Residents to Register to Vote
- Count On 2: National Voter Registration Day in the Lowcountry
- Live 5 News: Charleston County Begins Training Sessions for Voter Ambassador Program
- Live 5 News: Charleston Area Women’s Voting Organization Discuss Future of Mail-in Voting
- SC Daily Gazette: Judge Temporarily Blocks Release of SC Voter Data to Trump Administration
- Wikipedia: Voter Registration in the United States
- Google Search: Voter Registration Process
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Voting
- Google News: Voter Registration News
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