Your guide to Election Day in Charleston

Voting in Charleston on Election Day

It’s (almost) time to head to the polls. | Photo by @chsvotes

Tomorrow is the big day — aka Election Day — and we’ve done the Googling so you don’t have to. To make this election day as easy as possible, we’ve curated need-to-know information about how + where to vote, plus what we’re voting on. 👇

Are you registered?

First things first, make sure you’re eligible + registered to vote.

Find your polling location

Charleston County polling locations will be open on Tues., Nov. 8 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Heads up: If you’re in line by 7 p.m., you’ll be able to vote.

If you’re unsure where to go, you can request voter information that provides your registration status + polling location. You’ll be required to show a photo ID, including an SC driver’s license, US passport, or federal military ID.

Voting absentee?

According to the South Carolina Election Commission, absentee ballots must have been returned by Fri., Oct. 28 to be counted.

What are we voting on?

In Charleston County, you’ll be voting for the Governor, a US Senator and US House Representative, SC Superintendent of Education, State House representatives, county seats, two amendments, and other local offices.

In addition to these state races, State House seats for local districts + County Council seats are up for grabs.

To find out who’s on your ballot — determine your district with these interactive maps + resources, then use your districts to identify your candidates.

You can also identify your voting district by checking your voter registration status or sample ballot. Find information on how congressional and state legislative district boundaries are established here.

Find info on the candidates + ballot amendments below. ⬇️

At CHStoday, we aim to cover local elections in a way that educates and activates our community with unbiased information to encourage individual voter participation. (I.e. vote for whoever + whatever you want to, just make sure to vote.) To learn more, check out our Editorial Ethics Policy.

WHO'S ON THE BALLOT?

Do you feel more confident heading to the polls?

We want to best serve you. Let us know what information you’d love to see in future election coverage.

LET'S HEAR IT

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Monday, Nov. 7

Starlight Yoga | Monday, Nov. 7 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | James Island County Park, 871 Riverland Dr., Charleston | $10 in advance, $12 at the event | Get your holiday spirit flowing with spectacular lakeside views of the Holiday Festival of Lights.
Nightshades | Monday, Nov. 7 | 6-9 p.m. | The Pour House, 1977 Maybank Hwy., Charleston | Free | Enjoy two sets of 100% improvised psychedelic tunes on the deck stage.

Tuesday, Nov. 8

Harold’s Cabin Holiday Bar | Tuesday, Nov. 8 | 4 p.m. | Harold’s Cabin, 247 Congress St., Charleston | Free | Harold’s Cabin is launching its Christmas-themed pop-up tonight for the 2022 holiday season, featuring floor-to-ceiling holiday decor, signature cocktails + holiday treats.
Trivia Night at Steel City Pizza (North Charleston) | Tuesday, Nov. 8 | 7-9 p.m. | Steel City Pizza, 8600 Dorchester Rd., North Charleston | Free | Grab a table, enjoy delicious food and drink, and compete for prizes during team trivia every Tuesday.

Wednesday, Nov. 9

Early Morning Bird Walks at Caw Caw | Wednesday, Nov. 9 | 8:30-10:30 a.m. | Caw Caw Interpretive Center, 5200 Savannah Highway, Ravenel | $0-$9 | Register to join this bird walk through several distinct habitats and discover birds + butterflies.
Coffee and Conversation | Wednesday, Nov. 9 | 10:30-11:30 a.m. | John’s Island Library, 3531 Maybank Hwy., Johns Island | Socialize with other older adults + enjoy some coffee at this local library.

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Try This: Visit the “Flight” exhibit at Aiken-Rhett House Museum

Presented by a CHStoday partner

Silks draped through rooms suggest the spirits of the lost. | Photo by CHStoday

Tatum here. I recently visited the new art exhibit at the Aiken-Rhett House Museum downtown. “FLIGHT” opened on September 29, 2022, and tells the stories of enslaved people who lived and worked in the Aiken-Rhett House prior to the Civil War. Men and women who were enslaved at this time were forced to work as carriage drivers, cooks, laundresses, footmen, housekeepers, and more.

The exhibit, which runs through Sun., Nov. 27, was created by local master dyer + environmental artist Mary Edna Fraser. Keep reading to find out how you can Try This.

What we tried:

As I toured the home, I spotted oil paintings and batik silks. The paintings portray the landscapes that enslaved men and women traveled along seeking freedom, and the draped silks suggest the spirits of those who were lost and voiceless.

On the back lot is where they worked and lived. There are two outbuildings with sleeping quarters, one is a preserved carriage and stable house and the other contains the kitchen and laundry areas. There is where I read poems by Marjory Wentworth and J. Drew Lanham, which convey the poignancy of these spaces.*

LEARN MORE

Weather

81º | Sunny | 8% chance of rain

Sunrise + sunset

Rise: 6:42 a.m.
Set: 5:25 p.m.

Tide

Low: 12:33 a.m. + 1:07 p.m.
High: 6:55 a.m. + 7:16 p.m.

Community

Heads up, Holy City: The Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) will offer free rides to the polls tomorrow on Election Day. View the CARTA system map. 🚌 (WCSC)

Civic

A million-dollar citywide plan focusing on flooding + development over the next 25 years is underway, with leaders identifying information on sea level rise and consolidating the city’s current plans and data. A draft plan may be prepared by next summer. ✍️ (WCSC)
Speaking of which, residents are invited to attend a free public meeting to learn about the city’s plans to address flooding + the impact of sea level rise at the Charleston County Main Library. The event will be sponsored by grassroots advocacy group Groundswell. Check it out at 68 Calhoun St. on Mon., Nov. 14 at 5 p.m.

Closed

Ben & Jerry’s on Isle of Palms has closed its doors after being part of the island community for 22 years. The shop had been at its most recent location, 1109 Ocean Blvd., for nine years. We’ll miss grabbing a cone after a day at the beach. 🍦 (The Post and Courier)

Development

Layout plans for a new elementary school on Johns Island have been presented by Charleston County School District. At the meeting, neighbors were given the opportunity to share feedback on the project. The next step is a Design Review Board meeting, set to be held today. 🏫 (WCBD)

Cause

Nonprofit organization Communities In Schools of South Carolina will kick off American Education Week on Sun., Nov. 13 with its annual Illuminating Communities in Schools of South Carolina event at Brittlebank Park. The event works to bring individuals and businesses together to celebrate public education. Sponsor a luminary. 📚

Travel

Picture this: It’s a regular Monday at the office. You’re skimming your inbox for the fifteenth time when suddenly, an email arrives: ⛵Malta — $400-$500s. With a flash of your credit card, you’ve booked sunny skies + crystal blue waters for this year’s summer vacation. Good thing you got those Scott’s Cheap Flights notifications.*

Shop

Meet Rent the Runway, the easiest way to dress to impress (for less) this holiday season. By becoming a member, you can try every style, trend + designer you want — without ever buying a single thing. Bonus: Use code 6AMXRTR for 40% off two months of a membership or one-time rental. 👗 *

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Food

A new Frontier 🍹

We’re loving the vibe of this new bar on Calhoun Street. | Photo by @carolineherringphoto

Take a trip back in time at this recently-opened bar in downtown Charleston.

In case you missed it, Frontier Lounge is now open in the former location of Mynt nightclub, which closed back in April. The new dive bar boasts a 1970s-era aesthetic with retro wallpaper, furniture, lighting, and decor — with a country twist.

Grab a beer or a cocktail and enjoy weekly drink specials, events, and live performances by local entertainment like Greg Keys & Co. at 135 Calhoun St. 🍻

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Alexandra.

Editor’s pick: I know Thanksgiving is a few weeks out, but the older I get, the earlier I realize I need to plan. Without giving too much away, stay tuned for upcoming Holy City Thanksgiving content. 👀

But before we dig into the stuffing (er — details) I want to know: What’s on your local Thanksgiving menu? Are you grabbing a pie from Baguette Magic for your sweet tooth? Maybe some award-winning Prime Beef Brisket from Lewis Barbecue? It’s not just about the turkey, you know...

Share your local Thanksgiving faves.

Missed Friday’s newsletter? Play our mini CHS crossword, here.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Alexandra Garian, Tatum Jacaruso, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Kaylee Holland, Ashlea Hearn, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Stephanie Zapiecki | Advertise with us.

Content marked with an * was created in partnership with 6AM City’s advertising partners. Paid content helps keep this newsletter free. 6AM City may also receive a commission on purchases made through affiliate links in this newsletter.

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