News Summary
The Aiken City Council will see elections for four seats, with filings starting on July 7 and closing on July 14. Residents can run as Democrats or Republicans, and primaries are scheduled for August 12. The general election is set for November 4, providing an opportunity for community members to shape local governance. Candidates must meet specific requirements, including filing necessary documents and adhering to state ethics laws. Aiken2025 is also promoting voter engagement and support for candidates aligned with their principles.
Aiken City Council Elections: Four Seats Up for Grabs Starting July 7 Filings
Four seats on the Aiken City Council are set to be contested in the upcoming elections, with candidate filing opening at noon on July 7 and closing at noon on July 14. This election cycle provides an opportunity for residents to seek office in several districts, with primaries scheduled for August 12 and the general election slated for November 4.
Filing Details for Candidates
Individuals interested in running for the council can file their candidacy either as Democrats or Republicans. Democratic candidates can submit their filings at the Aiken County Democratic Headquarters, located at 410 Richland Ave. W. For assistance, candidates can contact Christina Cue at 803-648-6595.
Republican candidates should file their documents at the Aiken County Republican Headquarters, situated at 127 Greenville St. S.W. They can reach Debbie Epling at 803-215-8819 for further information.
For those wishing to run by petition, the petition filing deadline is set for August 21. Individuals must collect signatures from 5% of active, registered voters in their respective districts. Interested petitioners can contact the City of Aiken at 803-642-7600 for more guidance.
Candidate Requirements
All candidates must complete a document known as the Statement of Intention of Candidacy/Party Pledge, which is available on the South Carolina Election Commission website. The form requires candidates to provide essential information, including their name, the office they are seeking, their voter registration number, and contact details. Additionally, candidates must have their forms signed in front of an election official or notarized.
Furthermore, compliance with state ethics laws is mandatory for all candidates, who must also file necessary campaign disclosures as part of their candidacy process.
Current Seats and Incumbents
The council seats available for election include District 2, which is currently held by Democrat Lessie Price; District 4, held by Republican Ed Girardeau; District 5, which Republican Andrea Gregory will vacate as she announced she will not seek a third term; and District 6, currently held by Republican Ed Woltz, who also will not seek reelection.
Election Timeline
The upcoming election timeline is as follows: primaries are set for August 12, followed by any necessary runoff elections on August 26. The general election will take place on November 4, with newly elected council members to be sworn in on November 24.
Voter Engagement Initiatives
A new non-partisan group, Aiken2025, has been established to enhance voter education and encourage prospective candidates to participate in the election. The organization aims to engage citizens through education while promoting principles such as ethics, transparency, slow growth, and improved city leadership.
Aiken2025 also intends to provide mentorship and support to candidates who align with their core principles. The group emphasizes the importance of informed citizenship in the electoral process, advocating for a collaborative approach that enhances local governance.
With the upcoming elections, communities in Aiken are anticipated to engage actively as potential candidates step forward and residents prepare to cast their votes in shaping the future of their city.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Aiken City Council Filing
- WRDW: Aiken2025 Informing Community Local Election
- WJBF: Aiken Co. Residents Voting on New County Sheriff
- Post and Courier: Aiken City Council Elections
- Google Search: Aiken City Council Elections
Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN
The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
