Voting for Mount Pleasant special election happening Tuesday

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCBD) – Voters are expected to decide who will fill in the vacant seat on Mount Pleasant Town Council.

The special election comes as former council member Carl Ritchie resigned in December, becoming the Charleston County sheriff. There are several months left in his term that ten candidates are vying for. Though, there is typically lower voter turnout.

The ten candidates are:

• Jordan Bryngelson
• Gary Davis
• Briana Harmon
• Derek Johnson
• Garrett Lacey
• David Smith
• David Spedden
• Bob Swain
• Mike Tinkey
• Mike Van Horn Sr.

“I think most importantly, we’re looking for somebody who lives in Mount Pleasant. Council’s been seven to one, South to North up until now,” Don Bailey, a resident, said. “So, it’s a great opportunity to get some representation for a lot of us who are still kind of new here, but have put roots down – have children, own businesses in the community. So we’d like to have somebody like that representing us.”

The Charleston County Board of Voter Registration and Elections held an early voting period this month. Officials said 116 people have casted their ballot, but also added that these elections have more impactful margins.

“So again, we do have lower turnout for these local elections but we really want people to head to the polls if they’re eligible. Some people they might only think about voting every four years, but we have elections every single year in Charleston County. These local contests can be separated by just a handful of votes and those elections can put people in power with immediate impact right in your backyard. So, your vote has incredible weight and power,” Matt Dilane, marketing and community manager for the county’s BVRD, said.

Bailey agreed and encouraged everyone, who is eligible, to get out and make their voices heard.

“The one thing I’d hope from our community is better turnout, the elections have historically had poor turnout. For one seat in the special election that is going to in prime position that’s going to be re-elected in November. I think this a great opportunity for people to get out and get a candidate they wanted, even if it doesn’t seem like their votes matters. It matters more than anything,” said Bailey.

Polls open 7 a.m. and close 7 p.m. Officials say if you are in line by 7 p.m., you will get to cast your ballot.