- Richland Library
- Saturday, October 08, 2022
Know when your local elections are happening, what's on the ballot, and make sure you register online before the October 9th deadline!
Democracy is not a spectator sport.
- Marian Wright Edelman
Every year in early November (specifically the Tuesday after the first Monday in November) our nation holds General Elections for political offices both large and small.
While it's impossible to ignore the overwhelming campaigning and publicity around the presidential elections every four years, state and local elections happen every year at various times throughout the year (with differing registration deadlines), and are often overlooked.
The results of these local elections -- for mayors, school boards, sheriffs, county council, and more -- can actually have a much greater impact on your day-to-day life, so it's important to stay aware of what is coming up on the ballot.
To vote in this year's General Election on November 8th and help select the people you want making important decisions for your community, you can still register online to vote by October 9th (the deadlines to register by mail and in person have already passed). To register online, you must have a valid South Carolina Driver's License or DMV ID.
The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, will be at Richland Library Southeast on October 8th during the Fiesta! event from 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
The League of Women Voters also manages VOTE411.org, which is a one-stop-shop for election related information. Use that resource to find election dates, registration deadlines, search for your polling place, see what items and offices will be on your ballot, find out where the candidates stand on various issues, complete your voter registration online, and more.
Every election is determined by the people who show up.
- Larry J. Sabato
First-time voter? Been a while since you went to the polls? SCVotes.gov, run by the South Carolina Election Commission, is another great resource for election information that includes an extensive Voter FAQ list and the ability to check and update your voter registration (you'll need to update this if you've moved!).
Resources include information about which forms of ID are accepted at the polls, sample ballots for your specific local elections so you can find more information about each candidate and ballot measure up for consideration, directions to your polling location and more.