Voters across Clarendon County are receiving updated voter registration cards as the community prepares for its first-ever election of the Clarendon County School Board of Trustees this November.
Earlier this year, the South Carolina General Assembly approved Bill S738, establishing nine single-member districts from which school board members will be elected. The nonpartisan elections will be held concurrently with the General Election starting in November 2024.
In a letter included with the new cards, Christine Harvin, Director of Voter Registration, explained the need to reissue cards to every voter. “To appropriately prepare voters, our office is printing and mailing new voter registration cards to all registered Clarendon County voters,” Harvin stated. The new cards include updated information about the voter’s school board district. Residents are instructed to sign the front of their card on the elector line if all information is correct.
Below is a list of frequently asked questions regarding the new cards and the school board election. If a resident has any additional questions, they’re encouraged to contact Voter Registration at 803-435-8215 or visit their office at 3 S. Church St. in Manning.
Q: Why am I receiving new cards in the mail?
A: Clarendon County now has a nine-member School Board of Trustees elected from single-member districts, replacing the previously appointed school board. Trustees will be elected in nonpartisan elections held concurrently with the November 2024 General Election. In November, candidates for each seat will appear on the ballot, and voters must select their preferred candidate. Voter registration must send out updated cards to ensure that voters know which school district they are in.
Q: Will my polling location change?
A: No, your polling location will not change.
Q: How can I tell where my district is by looking at my card?
A: When you receive your card, right above your name and address, you will find your Congressional, Senate, House, County Council, and school district seats.
Q: When will I know who will be running in my district?
A: Candidate filing opens August 1, 2024, and ends August 15, 2024. As candidates file for each district, their names will appear in the candidate information section on SCVotes.gov.
Q: Who can run for the school board?
A: You must be a registered voter who resides in your respective district.
Q: How do I file as a candidate for the school board?
A: All persons desiring to qualify as a candidate for the Clarendon County School District Board of Trustees shall file a candidacy notice with the Clarendon County Board of Voter Registration and Elections. Forms are furnished by the Voter Registration office.
Reminder: The school board election is nonpartisan. If you vote straight ticket, you must still select your preferred school board candidate from the ballot.
