Upstate GVL Voting Guide
So here's the thing...
There are a lot of things that I can complain about as Greenville grows and changes; like not enough safe sidewalks, small businesses being priced out of downtown, more traffic congestion, the lack of affordable housing options and more. And as one resident and business owner, I can't solve all these issues on my own, but I can make sure that I vote (and enourage others to vote) for leaders who have empathy and solutions for the problems facing our neighborhoods.
Historically, less than 10% of registered voters show up to local elections, so this is my attempt to raise that statistic, because voting is important and easy! I hope this guide can be a starting point for you to learn about our local leaders and to be an educated voter during this election cycle.
Step One: Check your voters registration
Visit SCVotes.org to double check your voters registration (make sure your registration address is correct and view your polling location).
Step Two: View your sample ballot
Click to find your sample ballot. Here you can see different open positions and candidates that will be on your ballot.
Some of the local open positions include:
City of Greenville - Mayor, City Council District 1, City Council District 3, City Council At Large, Commissioner of Public Works
City of Simpsonville - Non-partisan elections for Mayor, City Council Ward 1, City Council Ward, City Council Ward 5
City of Fountain Inn - Non-partisan elections for Mayor, City Council Wards 2, 4, and 6
City of Greer - Non-partisan elections for Mayor, City Council District 1, City Council District 3, City Council District 5, Commissioner of Public Works
City of Travelers Rest - Special election and 4 at-large City Council Members
P.S. If you don't live within city-limits, it's still important to know who is going to represent our communities + encourage others to vote.
Step Three: Learn about the candidates
These are some resources where you can learn about the candidates. Personally I think it's always helpful to listen to their voices and hear how they answer questions.
Podcasts:
City of Greenville: Getting to Know Your Candidates (26 minute listen)
City of Simpsonville: Getting to Know Your Candidates (64 minute listen)
City of Fountain Inn: Getting to Know Your Candidates (12 minute listen)
City of Greer: Getting to Know Your Candidates (12 minute listen)
City of Travelers Rest: Getting to Know Your Candidates (18 minute listen)
Videos:
City of Greenville mayor candidates take the stage to address voters ahead of November election (2:28 minute watch)
Palmetto Politics Live: Greenville Mayoral Debate (43:43 minute watch)
Palmetto Politics Live: Greenville City Council Debate (30:44 minute watch)
Simpsonville City Council Candidate Forum (65 minute watch)
Read:
Meet the Candidates: Travelers Rest City Council
Meet the Candidates: Greer City Council
Meet the Candidates: Simpsonville City Council
Meet the Candidates: Fountain Inn City Council
Websites:
Dorothy Dowe (Greenville City Council) Campaign Website
Randall Fowler (Greenville City Council) Campaign Website
Michelle Shain (Greenville Mayor) Campaign Website
Knox White (Greenville Mayor) Campaign Website
And of course, google searches are helpful too.
Step Four: Go vote!
Early voting is available October 23rd through November 3rd, Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at Greenville County Square Entrance off of Howe St. (65 Howe St, Greenville, SC 29601 - follow Early Voting Signs) and City of Greenville Public Works (475 Fairforest Way Greenville, SC 29607).
Election day is November 7th and most polling locations are open 7am-7pm.
Together we can make the Upstate a better, more equitable and more sustainable place to live!