News Summary
Candidate filing for four City Council positions in Aiken, South Carolina has officially begun, allowing hopeful candidates to submit their paperwork until July 14. The available seats are in Districts 2, 4, 5, and 6, with primaries scheduled for August. Individuals seeking to run must adhere to specific filing requirements, including ethics laws and campaign disclosures. The upcoming elections are essential for community representation in Aiken, as current council members in several districts have announced they will not seek re-election.
Aiken, S.C. – Candidate filing has officially opened for four of the seven City Council positions in Aiken, South Carolina. This window for hopeful candidates commenced at noon on July 7 and will conclude at noon on July 14. The upcoming primaries for these positions are set for August 12, with a possible runoff scheduled for August 26 if necessary.
The City Council seats available for contest include Districts 2, 4, 5, and 6. Candidates wishing to file as Democrats should do so at the Aiken County Democratic Headquarters located at 410 Richland Ave. W, while Republican candidates can file at the Aiken County Republican Headquarters, which is at 127 Greenville St. S.W. Anyone interested in running by petition must collaborate with the City of Aiken and gather signatures equal to 5% of the active registered voters in their respective district. It is important to note that the deadline for filing by petition is August 21.
To officially file, candidates are required to complete a “Statement of Intention of Candidacy/Party Pledge” form. This form can be found on the South Carolina Election Commission’s website and requires several key details including the candidate’s name, the office they are seeking, their voter registration number, contact information, and the name they prefer to appear on the ballot. The signing of this form must be done in the presence of an election official or must be notarized.
In addition to the filing requirements, candidates must adhere to state ethics laws which mandate the filing of campaign disclosures as required by law. Election Day for the council elections is slated for November 4, 2023, and newly elected council members are expected to be sworn in on November 24.
As it stands, District 2 is currently held by Democrat Lessie Price, while District 4 is represented by Republican Ed Girardeau, both of whom are expected to be contested in the upcoming election cycle. District 5’s current Councilwoman Andrea Gregory has announced that she will not seek a third term, and similarly, District 6’s Councilman Ed Woltz has also chosen not to run again. As of now, candidate Kent Cubbage has declared his intention to run for District 5, and Pete Messina is a candidate for District 4.
Individuals interested in registering to vote can obtain further information by contacting the Aiken County Department of Registration & Elections. Participation in local governance is crucial, and filling these council positions is an important step in ensuring community representation in city matters. Voter engagement through registration and participation in elections will shape the future governance of Aiken as the council prepares to welcome new members later this year.
For any prospective candidates, the upcoming weeks present a limited but pivotal opportunity to join the ranks of local leadership in Aiken. The filing period is drawing near to an end, which heightens the urgency for individuals wishing to take part in shaping the city’s policies and future initiatives.
As the election draws closer, residents remain encouraged to keep abreast of candidates’ platforms and community conversations surrounding these important local issues.
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Additional Resources
- WRDW: Filing Period Opens for Aiken City Council Candidates
- Wikipedia: Aiken, South Carolina
- WJBF: Filing Opens for Four Aiken City Council Seats
- Google Search: Aiken City Council Elections
- Post and Courier: Aiken City Council Filing
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Local Government
- WRDW Video: Filing Period Opens for Aiken City Council Candidates
- Google News: 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.
