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

• What's on the Ballot:

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

  • Commissioner of Public Works

• Run for Office:

  • Filing Period: Opens at noon on Monday, August 4, 2025, and closes at noon on Monday, August 18, 2025.

  • Where to File: Charleston County Board of Voter Registration and Elections, 4340 Corporate Rd, North Charleston, SC 29405.

  • Filing Fee: $150 for both City Council and Commissioner of Public Works.

  • Other Requirements: Candidates must be registered voters residing in the City of Charleston. You must also file a Statement of Economic Interests and Campaign Disclosure forms with the State Ethics Commission.
    
    

• Updates on Candidates via Charleston City Paper:
  • Council District 2: Incumbent Kevin Shealy said he would file for reelection.
  • Council District 4: Longtime incumbent Robert Mitchell, will face nonprofit executive Aaron Polkey in this peninsular seat.
  • Council District 6: Veteran incumbent William Dudley Gregorie is seeking reelection.
  • Council District 8: Four-term incumbent Mike Seekings is seeking reelection.
  • Council District 10: Incumbent Stephen Bowden said he would file for reelection.
  • Council District 12: Nonprofit CEO Leslie Skardon and 20-year resident Deanna Miller, both of James Island, have announced they plan to run for the seat. Incumbent Caroline Parker could not be reached for comment.

Town of Mount Pleasant

• Full election information

• Roles on the Ballot:

  • Mayor

  • Town Council (4 at-large seats)

• Running for Office:

  • Filing Period: Opens at noon on Monday, August 4, 2025, and closes at noon on Monday, August 18, 2025.

  • Where to File: Charleston County Board of Voter Registration and Elections, 4340 Corporate Rd, North Charleston, SC 29405.

  • Filing Fee: $150 for Mayor and for Town Council.

  • Other Requirements: Candidates must be registered voters of South Carolina and have resided in the Town of Mount Pleasant for at least six months.

City of Isle of Palms

• Full election information
• Roles on the Ballot:

  • City Council

• Running for Office:

  • Filing Period: Opens at noon on Friday, August 29, 2025, and closes at noon on Tuesday, September 8, 2025.

  • Where to File: Isle of Palms City Hall, 1207 Palm Boulevard.

  • Filing Fee: $100, made payable to the City of Isle of Palms.

  • Other Requirements: Candidates must complete a Statement of Candidacy and provide a copy of their voter registration card or a valid SC photo ID.

City of Goose Creek:

• • Full election information

  • Roles on the Ballot: City Council (3 at-large seats)

  • Running for Office:

    • Filing Period: Opens at noon on Thursday, August 21, 2025, and closes at noon on Friday, September 5, 2025.

    • Where to File: Berkeley County Elections and Voter Registration, 1003 Highway 52, Moncks Corner, SC 29461.

    • Filing Fee: $150 for City Council.

Town of St. Stephen:

• • Full Berkeley County election information

  • Running for Office:

    • Filing Period: Opens at noon on Friday, August 1, 2025, and closes at noon on Friday, August 15, 2025.

    • Where to File: Berkeley County Voter Registration Office.

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.

Why 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. Don't miss your chance to make a difference!