Your guide to the 2019 election

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Image via Unsplash

Table of Contents

It’s Election Day, Charleston – do you know your polling precinct? Do you know who is running? Do you know what to expect on your ballot?

A few quick resources to get you started:

  • First things first… check if you’re registered + find your voting district here.
  • Polls are open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. today.
  • If you’re voting in Charleston, North Charleston or Summerville: meet your mayoral candidates here.
  • Here is what you will need bring with you in order to vote.

Pro-tip: If you’re not registered yet, go ahead and do it now. It doesn’t take long, and it will ensure that you’re eligible to vote the next time around. Click here to register online.

Before you head to the polls, scroll for a complete breakdown of everything you’ll find on the ballots across the tri-county area.

Charleston County

City of Charleston

Mayor

See a statement from each of Charleston’s mayoral candidates here.

  • Mayor John Tecklenburg (incumbent): Former businessman + Director of Economic Development for the City of Charleston currently in his fourth year serving as Mayor of Charleston. Tecklenburg’s goals for reelection include protection from flooding + sea level rise, low crime rate, community-police relations, restricting hotel development, traffic infrastructure + improving government services.
  • Sheri Irwin: Meteorologist for Charles River Labs; aims to stop urbanization of West Ashley, improve drainage systems, allow single family homes to do short term rentals, + stop using tax dollars for private sector building.
  • Renee Orth: Community Organizer + author; seeks to develop water retention landscapes to mitigate flooding, support citizen led micro-farms, create a community based rideshare app, revise building codes, end homelessness with micro-housing, phase out fossil fuels + explore founding a community bank.
  • Councilman Mike Seekings: Chairman of CARTA board of directors, nine year Council Member for the City of Charleston, interim executive director for the Cooper River Bridge Run, + former adjunct professor at the College of Charleston and the Charleston School of Law. Priorities; flooding, traffic + overdevelopment, attainable housing, fiscal responsibility, community policing strategies + off-shore drilling.
  • Maurice Washington: Charleston native + former councilman; Washington focuses on improving education, infrastructure, affordable housing, traffic + parking meters.
  • Councilman Gary White: Charleston native, 12 year City Council member, + former Senior Vice President in commercial banking; key issues include flooding, maintenance, growth development, parking, affordable housing + traffic congestion.

Commissioner of Public Works

This race will fill one of the three elected seats on the Charleston Water System’s Board of Commissioners. The other two seats on the board are filled by the mayor + one appointed city council member.

City Council

There are 6 seats available – and voting is determined by district. Enter your address on this map to find your district.

District 1
This seat is currently occupied by mayoral candidate Gary White.

  • Marie Delcioppo: Daniel Island Neighborhood Association President; aims to manage development, improve infrastructure, maintain safety + protect taxpayer resources.
  • Angela Black Drake: Daniel Island Rotary Club President, former Historic Ansonborough Neighborhood Association President, Peninsula Alliance Committee Commissioner + Charleston Chamber of Commerce Board Member. Priorities include remediating flooding/drainage system issues + improving livability by retaining residential areas.

District 3

  • Cason Gaither*
  • James Lewis Jr (incumbent): Charleston native, first elected as a Council member for District 3 in 1995; supports affordable housing, crime prevention + traffic control. Aims to finish crosstown basin drainage project + expand street sweeping programs.
  • Luqman S Rasheed*
  • Jason Sakran: Director of Expanded Learning (Kaleidoscope); key issues include flooding, neighborhood services, economic opportunity, affordable childcare, commercial development, affordable housing, safety and security, public education + transportation.
  • Jason F Taylor: Small business owner, attorney + former professor; focuses include flooding, transportation, housing, ethics and civility, jobs + community policing.

District 5

  • Karl Brady: Historic Rotary Club of Charleston Education Chair + Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission member; supports better leadership, better infrastructure + better quality of life for citizens.
  • Marvin D Wagner (incumbent): Accountant + District 5 Councilmember since 2012. Platform includes addressing flooding beyond the peninsula, including areas like Johns Island and West Ashley; combatting traffic, and addressing affordable housing needs.

District 7

  • Christian King: Reverend + former realtor; Priorities include improving community infrastructure, nourishing children + collaborations between local organizations, community groups and city government.
  • Keith Waring (incumbent): Charleston native + currently serving his second term as Councilmember; supports affordable housing, beautification of main throughways, revitalization plan for Citadel Mall area, funding from hospitality and accommodation sales tax revenue + completing 1-526.

District 9

  • Brett Barry: Senior Policy Advisor; Priorities include revitalization of West Ashley, merge of SC-7 and SC-171, improvements to Bikeway and Greenway, Historic Tourism + ethics.
  • Peter Shahid (incumbent): Charleston native + current District 9 Councilmember since 2015; Shahid aims to continue revitalizing West Ashley, resolve flooding issues, provide growth management + continue to hold public meetings.
  • Leah Whatley: Small business owner + former law enforcement officer; supports growth through community driven strategic development, community gathering places + attracting investment while supporting tourism.

District 11

  • Ross Appel: Charleston native, attorney + City of Charleston’s Board of Zoning Appeals member; Focuses include flooding/sewage overflows, overdevelopment, West Ashley revitalization and economic development, controlling spending, mobility infrastructure improvements, Greenway and Avondale safety + reforming electric utility tree trimming.
  • Bill Moody (incumbent): Moody plans to continue pushing for solutions to flooding; paving the Greenway and Bikeway; working on the revitalization of Citadel Mall; and pushing to send more hospitality + accommodations taxes to West Ashley.

City of Isle of Palms

City Council

There are four seats available – so you can vote for up to four candidates. Click each candidate’s name to learn more about their platforms, via the Island Eye News.

Current council members Carol Rice, Ted Kinghorn, and Sandy Ferencz all previously announced they would not be seeking reelection.

Water and Sewer Commission

The Isle of Palms Water and Sewer Commission owns, operates, and manages the water and wastewater systems of the Isle of Palms. It is operated by five commissioners.

  • Curtis Helfrich – incumbent, running unopposed.

Town of Mount Pleasant

Town Council

There are four seats available – so you can vote for up to four candidates. Click each candidate’s name to learn more about their platforms, via the Moultrie News.

NO LONGER RUNNING: Jim Owens. Owens announced last week that he would be suspending his campaign for re-election – but his name will still appear on the ballot next month.
Previously, council members Bob Brimmer and Kevin Cunnane each declined to seek reelection. Their names will not be listed on the ballot.

Waterworks Commission

Mount Pleasant Waterworks is made up of five elected Commissioners, and oversees the use + distribution of freshwater as well as the town’s wastewater treatment + facilities. There are two seats available – so you can vote for up to two candidates.

Town of James Island

Mayor

Town Council

There are four seats available – so you can vote for up to four candidates.

  • Leonard Blank (incumbent): Previously helped with the incorporate of the town of James Island through being a member of Free James Island. Goal: to continue to accomplish more projects to keep the same values intact.
  • Dan Boles: CofC grad, previously worked for NOAA operating sonar equipment. Goals – stop development, create a municipal code of laws and law enforcement, and put power lines underground.
  • Cynthia Mignano: Runs a chiropractic office on James Island, has served as the PTO president of Camp Road Middle School for the past two years. Goals: Improve road repairs, address housing density and crime, and maintain the character of James Island.
  • Garrett Milliken (incumbent): Formerly served as a member of the town’s Planning Commission. Wants to focus on sustainability, preservation + environmental protection through projects like flooding + drainage improvements and upgrading town parks, sidewalks, and bike paths.
  • Darren Troy Mullinax (incumbent): Recently passed a resolution to acquire additional speed limit signs to help promote traffic safety. Working to address flooding + drainage.
  • Alexandra Purro: Full time real estate agent. Operates the Town Market on James Island. Goal: to oversee Children’s Commission, which will focus on improving existing community events as well as creating new events to help unify the children + residents of James Island.
  • Joshua Stokes (incumbent): Co-founder of the law firm McCoy and Stokes, LLC. Goal: to recruit new business to the town, increase its tax base + lower the tax burden on families.

City of North Charleston

Mayor

See a statement from each of North Charleston’s mayoral candidates here.

  • Mayor Keith Summey (incumbent): Aims to complete Lowcountry Rapid Transit, improve the education system, improve the south end and implement a grocery store + build positive police-community relationships.
  • Thomas Dixon: Pastor + community activist; supports eliminating poverty, quality public education, reducing gun violence, regulating policing, quality accessible housing + environmental justice.
  • Floyd Dotter: Small business owner; supports improving education system, weapon control, expanding city council, investing in mortgages for those in need, creating safe bikeways and walkways + community police relationships.
  • Ashley Peele: North Charleston native + software company business leader; supports equitable and sustainable growth, affordable housing, public safety advancements, upgraded transportation + a healthy and green city.
  • John Singletary: North Charleston native + small business owner; supports accountability and transparency, community care and cooperation, job growth, redesigned police department and judicial system + new community centers.

City Council

There are 10 seats available – and voting is determined by district. Enter your address on this map to find your district.

District 1

District 2

  • Rhonda Jameson Jerome* – incumbent. Running unopposed.

District 3

  • Russ Coletti: Retired US Navy + Air Force Veteran. Previously served as President of the Civic League of Northwood Estates, and as Trustee and Architectural Review Board Member. Wants to unite the community.
  • Virginia Jamison (incumbent): Goals include upgrading infrastructure to include safety and police visibility. Supporter of quality education agendas.
  • Kathi Love: Recently retired officer from the North Charleston Police Department. Goals: install sidewalks near schools in District 3, get children signed up for after school programs, host safety classes for residents, and advocate for the recruitment of businesses like food markets.

District 4

  • Travis Blissett*
  • Ron Brinson (incumbent): Previously served as president of the Coosaw Creek Owners Association and was an officer in the Parent Teacher Student Association at Fort Dorchester High School.

District 5

  • Althea Hall White: Retired educator, school administrator + entrepreneur. Goal: Community revitalization.
  • Jerome Heyward: Currently serves on the Charleston County Aviation Authority Board. Key issues: Creating jobs, preventing crime + addressing traffic.
  • Todd Olds (incumbent): Goals: Develop a Capital Planning Fund to maintain existing + new roads; enhance police, fire, public works, + recreation services staff; oppose unnecessary tax burdens.

District 6

  • Dorothy King Williams* – incumbent.
  • Jesse Williams: CofC grad. Found of the nonprofit Take it to the Streets. Goals: improving drainage, repair sidewalks + streetlights, create programs aimed at decreasing crime, addressing affordable housing; provide access to public transportation, and improve schools.

District 7

  • Andrea BaileyErb
  • Sam Hart* – incumbent.
  • Greg Perry: Goals: to promote equality, invest in the community, and reduce crime
  • Corey Van Hannegeyn*

District 8

  • Gordon H Garrett: CofC grad, tax consultant + lawyer. Key issues: growth, literacy, flooding, crime, violence, + food deserts.
  • Bob King (incumbent): Full time councilman. Serves as Chairman of both the Public Safety Committee + the Joint Base Charleston Advisory Committee. Projects he’s been involved with: the GARCO Development, Bass Pro Shop, + the further development of Palmetto Commerce Park.
  • William Parker: Key issues: crime + public safety; flooding + climate change; education.

District 9

District 10

Other municipalities

To see who + what is on the ballot for the below municipalities, click here.

  • Awendaw | Three council seats
  • Lincolnville | Three council seats
  • McClellanville | Mayor (Rutledge B Leland III, running unopposed) + four council seats
  • Ravenel | Mayor + three council seats
  • Rockville | Mayor (Riley A Bradham, running unopposed) + four council seats
  • Seabrook Island | Mayor (John Gregg, running unopposed), four council seats, + one utility commissioner seat

Berkeley County

Nov. 26: Berkeley County School Board Dist. 7 Special Election

This is a non-partisan seat with a term ending in Nov. 2020.

Last day to register to vote: Oct. 26.

Dec. 3: City of Goose Creek Special Referendum

Residents will vote yes or no as to whether the City of Goose Creek should be authorized to establish, operate and maintain its own electric utility.

Last day to register to vote: Nov. 2.

Moncks Corner + Jamestown

For more information on what’s on the ballot in Moncks Corner + Jamestown, click here.

Dorchester County

Referendum for Libraries

Residents will vote yes or no on whether Dorchester County should be authorized to issue general obligation bonds of up to $30 million to fund the construction of new libraries in the Summerville, North Charleston + Ridgeville areas of Dorchester County.

Referendum for Parks

Residents will vote yes or no on whether Dorchester County should be authorized to issue general obligation bonds of up to $38 million to fund the construction of various hiking, biking + pedestrian trails/bridges throughout the county, as well as several parks + recreational facilities including: the Dorchester County Courthouse Park (aka Davis-Bailey Park) in St. George, the Ashley River Park by Bacons Bridge Rd. (plus the construction of a multi-use path to connect the future park to the existing Rosebrock Park), + the Pine Trace Natural Area in Summerville.

Summerville

Mayor

This mayoral election is especially important for the growing municipality, considering current mayor Wiley Johnson will not be seeking re-election. See a statement from each of Summerville’s mayoral candidates here.

  • Bill Hearn: Community organizer + attorney. Key issues: Wealth inequality, homelessness, education, transportation, racism, justice and ecological crises.
  • Brandon King: Plans to pass a local Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance to ensure developers help fund needed infrastructure improvements; cut property taxes + business license taxes/fees; address flooding + environmental issues.
  • Fleming Moore: Goals: racial reconciliation + the construction of a light rail from Summerville to St. George.
  • Ricky Waring: Worked for the town for around 40 years. Goal: to improve relationship between Town Council + Mayor’s office.

Town Council

Learn more about the candidates’ backgrounds + platforms here, via the Post & Courier.

District 2

District 4

District 6

Public Works Commission

The Commissioners of Public Works is a three-person board, elected by the public, that manages the town’s water + wastewater systems. One of the three seats is currently up for reelection.

  • Jordy Tupper – incumbent, running unopposed.

Harleyville, Reevesville, + St. George

For more information on what’s on the ballot in Harleyville, Reevesville, + St. George, click here.

* We were unable to locate a webpage and/or additional information for these candidates. If a candidate without a website listed does have one that you are aware of – please send the information to hello@thechstoday.com and we will update this page accordingly.