MORNING HEADLINES | Polling locations across South Carolina will be open today through 7 p.m., but officials expect lower turnout for races that include several mayoral contests and hundreds of council seats.
“Municipal elections just don’t have the same level of engagement,” said Isaac Cramer, executive director of the Charleston County Board of Voter Registration and Elections. “Although it’s not national headlines, they are local issues that affect each one of us, our day-to-day lives.”
Election officials expect voter turnout of around 20% with only local elections on the ballot. South Carolina has no statewide or congressional races this year.
CARTA is providing free bus rides to voting locations today for those in need of transportation.
Nationally, pundits are watching three major elections as a possible referendum on President Donald Trump — the mayoral race in New York City and gubernatorial races in Virginia and New Jersey. Ahead of today’s vote, Democrats were ahead in all three races, according to recent polls.
Editorial endorsements
You can click here to read an October City Paper endorsement editorial for municipal elections in Charleston and Mount Pleasant. A recap:
For Charleston city council:
- District 4: Aaron Polkey
- District 6: Ben D’Allesandro
- District 10: Stephen Bowden
- District 12: Leslie Skardon
In Mount Pleasant: These three candidates for town council: Jenny DeSart, Mike Tinkey and Kathryn Whitaker
In other recent headlines
FOOD: Three Charleston restaurants receive Michelin stars. Malagón, Vern’s, and Wild Common have earned a Michelin Star, while 15 in all were chosen as part of the Michelin Guide’s inaugural American South collection announced Monday.
SHUTDOWN: Trump administration says SNAP will be partially funded in November. President Donald Trump’s administration said Monday that it will partially fund SNAP for November, after two judges issued rulings requiring the government to keep the nation’s largest food aid program running.
King tides could bring coastal flooding this weekend. Coastal communities in South Carolina and around the Southeast face another round of flooding this week as the month’s full moon leads to higher water levels known as king tides.
Charleston plans to demolish partially collapsed King St. building. The city has blocked off Grove Street, Francis Street and Cleveland Street on King Street to prepare for a building demolition after the left side of a building had partially collapsed.
Judge dismisses lawsuit filed by S.C. Shrimpers Association. The lawsuit, which was filed by the South Carolina Shrimpers Association, claimed that dozens of restaurants falsely represented and advertised imported shrimp as local. Judge Richard Mark Gergel said the complaint did not meet the legal standards required to move forward with the case.
MUSC, Trident Tech launch apprenticeship program. The Medical University of South Carolina and Trident Technical College launched an apprenticeship program to train students in medical imaging ahead of radiologic technology programs.
Bank of America closing its last branch on Charleston peninsula. The financial services giant will shutter its flagship branch at 200 Meeting St. on Nov. 4 after more than 34 years in the downtown location.
Charleston-area barbecue festival to celebrate different styles. More than 50 of the country’s most acclaimed pitmasters and chefs will gather in November for the Holy Smokes BBQ Festival at Riverfront Park from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 8.
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