Moved to Columbia South Carolina - Voting ??

[recovering_democrat]

I just moved from Florida to Columbia SC. I know little of the local politics in this city, county or state. Any DU members who can give me some ideas and advise on relevant political elections I may be able to vote in this area.

Specifically only a family member lives here too and works for the Sheriff's Department. Any specific recommendations from this particular area and information will also be appreciated as it relates to any political issue relevant. Thank you

[LT Barclay]

1. We just moved to the Clemson area from KCMO. All I know is that it's easy to register

You can do it when you get your license or ID.
When we get settled I’m going to hook up with the local Sierra Club and hope to gain insight through them

[recovering_democrat]

6. TYVM

Appreciated!

[leftieNanner]

2. Maybe look up the local Indivisible group

They can give you input about local issues and candidates.

[Abstractartist]

3. Moved here

Moved here in 2021. Just outside of Charleston, SC. Came from north and blue state. Our rep is Nancy Mace.. she flip flops terrible. Senate is Lyndsey Graham and Tim Scott.. hmmmm all way two faced MAGAs.

Hard to see this state turning blue… near the beach areas too many big money right wingers.

I vote blue and completely blue down ballot. It make me feel phenomenal, and hoping it will help to turn or at least bring more democrats into the house.

[MyMission]

4. My go to is League of Women Voters

Here's a link to the Columbia branch.
https://my.lwv.org/south-carolina/columbia-area

They report on important ballot initiatives and you can put in your address to see a sample ballot. They have information on the candidates, although not all candidates reply to their surveys, most Dems do.
This is more important for primaries to learn about the candidates, not so much for Dems in the general election, except the school board which is often non partisan. I look at the website for each school board candidate, rule many out based on their rhetoric.

Welcome to the Carolinas! I'm in NC, about 2 hours north of you.

[Climate Crusader]

5. There is a very active group of progressives in Columbia who would be gladd to welcome you.

I lived in Columbia most of my life and just moved to GA 5 years ago after losing my house in a flood.

https://columbiagrow.com/events/

https://www.scpronet.com/

Brett Bursey and his partner Becci Robbins are salt of the earth people who are old school, vintage activists. Get involved. There's lots to do.

The more orthodox, main stream dems are active in Columbia as well, if your not the activist type.

I think you can find a seam in Cola .

[SCantiGOP]

7. I live in Columbia

The metro area is split by a river into Richland and Lexington Counties. Richland is majority black and votes Dem, while Lexington had been rural until about 30 years ago. It is now one of the fastest growing counties and has had no Democratic office holders in years.
Congressional districts are very gerrymandered. To keep from having a second black district, Cong Clyburn’s district includes parts of downtown Columbia and parts of downtown Charleston over 100 miles away. Most of the Columbia area is represented by Joe “you lie!” Wilson, who recently had a stroke but is apparently recovering.
While I do live in a Democrat lean district (most of it is in an adjacent rural county), I rarely have any Democrats on my ballot.
Feel free to message me if you have any specific questions.

[recovering_democrat]

8. 2 quick questions: thank you!

1. I moved here from Florida: there, you had to register as a Democrat, a Republican or nothing. This is same rule in S Carolina or what is the rule for registering here regarding any initial elections other than the federal election date(s).?

2. I am in Richland County at this time. Any specific issues I should know.

Thanks! My son has lived up here for quite some time (we rarely agree on political subjects so I appreciate your opinion!

[SCantiGOP]

9. Voting

Registration at the county election commission office has an Oct 4 deadline. I would suggest going there. It is on Hampton and Harden Street near 5 Points just east of downtown.
There is no party registration. The only restriction is that if you vote in the first round of a party primary you cannot vote in the other party’s runoff. A few people do this every year and are cited for it, but it is usually just a mistake.
I have on a few occasion voted in the GOP primary for the least bad candidate because there were no Dem contests in my district (I live in the neighboring very red county of Lexington).
The State Democratic office is also near downtown on Gadsden Street. They can put you in touch with county Party people if you want to get active.
Good news is that your county will be Blue this election, but will be overwhelmed by the Red voters everywhere except the metro areas of Columbia and Charleston and the heavy minority region mainly along the I-95 corridor.
Let me know if you have any other questions.