Your Guide to the November 2025 Local Elections

November 4, 2025, is a major date for local democracy across the Lowcountry. Several municipalities across our region will hold general elections for city and town councils, and other important local offices. These are the people who make decisions that directly affect your daily life, from zoning and public safety to park maintenance and community development.

Here is a quick look at what's on the ballot, how to run for office, and how you can make your voice heard:

City of Charleston 

• Full election information

• Roles on the Ballot:

  • 6 City Council seats (Districts 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12)

  • Commissioner of Public Works

• Updates on Candidates via Charleston City Paper:
  
  • • District 2:  Incumbent and insurance agent Kevin Shealy will face political newcomer Abraham D. Champagne in this seat that represents voters in West Ashley.

    • District 4: Longtime incumbent Robert Mitchell will face three challengers: creator/futurist Suzanne Allen, nonprofit executive Aaron Polkey and past candidate Luqman S. Rasheed in this peninsular seat that includes Charleston Neck neighborhoods and the Eastside.

    • District 6: Veteran incumbent William Dudley Gregorie will face Charleston restaurateur Ben D’Allesandro in this Westside district on the Peninsula.  

    • District 10: Incumbent Stephen Bowden will face civil engineer William Connor in West Ashley.

    • District 12:  Three newcomers will face off for the seat — nonprofit CEO Leslie Skardon, marketing professional Deanna Miller and Annette Begner, all of James Island. With the council’s only woman being Parker, the race between the three women ensures at least one woman will be on council after November.

Town of Mount Pleasant

• Full election information

• Roles on the Ballot:

  • Mayor: Incumbent Mayor Will Haynie will face two challengers — Irvin Evans and Curt Thomas 

  • 4 Town Council seats: Nine candidates, including incumbents John Iacofano, Gary Santos and Mike Tinkey, are vying for four seats on town council. Newcomers include Alexandra Crosby, nurse anesthetist Jenny DeSart, entrepreneur Brianna Harmon, lifelong resident Perry Rourk, Craig S. Russack and Kathryn Whitaker. The top four vote-getters will win the seats. 

City of Folly Beach

• Full election information
• Roles on the Ballot
  • 3 City Council seats
  • Mayor (see Post and Courier story for latest)

City of Isle of Palms

• Full election information
• Roles on the Ballot:

  • 4 City Council seats

  • Mayor

  • 2 IOP Water & Sewer Commission seats

City of Goose Creek:

• Full election information

• Roles on the Ballot:

  • 3 City Council seats

Town of St. Stephen:

• Full Berkeley County election information

Other municipal elections:

• Awendaw: Filing is Aug. 18 to Sept. 2 for mayor and three council seats.
• Folly Beach: Filing is Aug. 22 to Sept. 5 for mayor and three council seats.
• Hollywood: Filing for three council seats closes Aug. 18.

• James Island: Filing opens Aug. 12 and closes Aug. 25 for three council seats.
• Kiawah Island: Filing closes Sept. 2 for mayor and two council seats.
• McClellanville: Filing is open through Aug. 15 for mayor and four seats on town council.
• Seabrook Island: Filing closes Sept. 5 for mayor and four council seats.
• Sullivan’s Island: Filing closes Aug. 21 for mayor and three council seats.

Important Voter Information 

Ready to cast your ballot? Here's what you need to know to ensure you're registered and prepared.

• Voter Registration Deadlines:

  • In-person: Friday, October 3, 2025, by 5:00 PM.

  • Online, fax, or email: Sunday, October 5, 2025, by 11:59 PM.

  • By mail: Postmarked by Monday, October 6, 2025.

• How to Register:

  • Online: Visit the South Carolina Election Commission website at scvotes.gov. You must have a valid SC driver's license or ID card.

  • In Person: Visit your county's Board of Voter Registration and Elections office.

  • By Mail: Download a registration form from scvotes.gov and mail it in.

• Early Voting: The early voting period for the November 4, 2025, municipal elections runs from Monday, October 20, 2025, to Friday, October 31, 2025. Hours are typically 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays. Check with your county's elections office for specific locations.

Your Vote Matters:

Local elections often have the most direct impact on your life. The decisions made by mayors, council members, and commissioners affect the schools your children attend, the quality of your roads, the taxes you pay, and the public services you rely on. By participating in these elections, you are helping to shape the future of your neighborhood and community. Every vote counts, and your voice is a critical part of the democratic process.