North Charleston

Early voting for the North Charleston City Council special election commenced on May 12, 2025, as the city prepares to fill two vacant council seats in Districts 3 and 5. The election is scheduled for May 27, 2025, following the resignations of former councilmembers Sandino Moses and Jerome Heyward due to federal corruption charges, including bribery, kickbacks, extortion, and money laundering.

The early voting period will conclude on May 23, 2025. Voters can cast their ballots at the Charleston County Board of Voter Registration and Elections headquarters, located at 4340 Corporate Road in North Charleston. Polling hours for early voting are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. Voters from Districts 3 and 5 must present valid identification and prove residency in their respective districts for at least 30 days prior to voting.

A total of 15 candidates are vying for the two city council positions, with seven candidates for District 3 and eight candidates for District 5. As of May 21, 2025, approximately 2% of eligible voters had participated in early voting, with 310 individuals casting their ballots.

Voting System and Costs

North Charleston operates under a plurality voting system, meaning the candidates with the most votes will win the election, even if they do not achieve a simple majority. The anticipated cost of conducting this special election ranges between $30,000 and $40,000.

District Details

District 3 is located between Rivers Avenue and Interstate 26, extending southward past University Boulevard. In contrast, District 5 encompasses neighborhoods situated between the Ashley River and Dorchester Road in the southern part of North Charleston.

Ongoing Corruption Issues

It is important to note that District 1 Councilman Mike Brown, who is facing separate corruption allegations, has not resigned and will not have his seat filled in this special election. His council position will remain unrepresented until there is a resolution to his legal situation.

Future Proposals

The frequent occurrence of special elections in Charleston County has sparked discussions regarding legislative proposals aimed at creating a more uniform schedule for municipal elections. Such proposals are intended to enhance voter turnout and minimize the associated costs of elections. State Senator Chip Campsen has proposed a bill to establish five consistent municipal election dates each year; however, this bill was not approved in the state House during the current legislative session.

As North Charleston gears up for this special election, the community’s outlook toward government accountability and election integrity remains paramount. The outcomes of this election may significantly impact local governance as candidates seek to restore public trust in the city council.