NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. — For the first time, North Augusta City Council seats share the ballot with state and federal races, as three council posts go before voters in the Nov. 3 general election.
The city shifted its local elections away from April of odd-numbered years and into November of even-numbered years, a change finalized last fall. City leaders pushed for it because turnout in stand-alone city elections has typically run between 10% and 15%, far below the 70% to 80% the city precincts see in fall state and federal elections.
Three Republicans are running for the three open seats: incumbent David Buck, former council member Jenafer McCauley and first-time candidate Tabitha Waldrop. No Democrats filed. All three advanced out of the June primary, and Councilman Kevin Toole chose not to seek another term.
All seven council members run citywide in partisan races, and the city fills three of those seats every two years for staggered four-year terms. The mayor serves a four-year term under the city’s mayor-council form of government.
Early voting in Aiken County runs through Saturday, Oct. 31, from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., including at the North Augusta Community Center on Brookside Avenue. On Election Day, polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Section: More Aiken SC politics news
Filed under: Aiken SC Politics News
