Town Elections to be July 29, 2014

Town Council voted unanimously for first reading of an ordinance that sets Town elections on the last Tuesday of July of even years.   Assuming it passes second and final reading at the December meeting, the Mayor and all four members of Council will be up for election on July 29, 2014.

In the incorporation election on April 24, 2012, voters chose four year terms for Mayor and Council.   However, the South Carolina Code mandates that the first term of office for all elected officials in a newly-formed municipality is two years.   The four year terms will apply in the future.

There is also a provision of the South Carolina Code that allows staggered terms to be introduced at the first election.   The Town ordinance before Council makes no provision for staggered terms.

If we had staggered terms, then in the future, each member of Council would have a four year term, but every two years, the voters would elect two members.    This benefits voters by allowing them to provide more frequent feedback to elected officials.   The other advantage of staggered terms is that there will always be at least two experienced members of Council after an election.  

Unfortunately, to have staggered terms it is necessary for two of the members of Council elected in 2014 to only have a two year term and face challengers in the 2016 elections.   The other two members of Council and the Mayor will be up for reelection in 2018.   Of course, the members of  Council elected in 2016 will have full four year terms, only coming up again in 2020.

In other election news, Council voted unanimously to request that the Charleston County Election Commission serve as the Town's Election Commission.   This was strongly advocated at the October meeting by Faye Lohr and Donna Parrish, who had served the Managers of Election for the Town's incorporation election in April 2012 and the election of Mayor and Council in July, 2012.   The Town's request now goes to Charleston County Council for its approval.

The last July of even years is a busy time for elections.   It is between the primary and general election for either Governor or President.  The Town borrows the Charleston County Election Commission's machines.   While the County Election Commission's staff understands the need to hold our election on July 29 in 2014, they suggested that we consider moving the date for future elections.    They also pointed out that the Town could save on election costs by having our elections on the same date as other municipalities.       

I plan to ask Council to revisit the election law in the Spring.   Those elected to Council in 2014 should know if two of them might have a two year term to allow for staggering.   Also, if there is going to a change in the date of future elections after July 29, 2014, both candidates and voters should know.   Please watch for further news.

P.S.  I am seeking reelection in 2014.