Background
America has a two major party political system, the Democratic and the Republican Party.
Tomorrow is voting for both the Democratic or Republican Party. Tomorrow is known as a "State Primary Election". During the primary election, members of a party run against each other for a certain position (i.e Sheriff, County Councilman, State Representative and etc.).
You can only vote in one primary and must be a registered voter.
Whoever wins tomorrow's election will go on to represent their party in the General Election on Tuesday, November 03, 2020.
Yes, you can vote in South Carolina if you are a convicted felons as long as you are registered to vote and not serving time in prison or on parole. You can even vote in jail (not prison) as long as you are registered to vote.
Positions
Sheriff: The sheriff is responsible for law enforcement on a county level, ensuring that all local, state, and federal laws are followed.
Coroner: The coroner is responsible for investigating all suspicious, violent, sudden, unexpected deaths that occur, and all deaths that occur in a hospital within the first 24 hours of admission.
After the investigation is concluded, the Coroner determines whether the manner of death is due to natural causes, an accident, a suicide, or a homicide.
County Council member:A "county" council member serves on "county council." County councils are divided into multiple districts (also known as single districts).
In Richland County there are 11 County Council districts.
In Lexington County there are 9 County Council districts.
County Council is consider "local" politics because their decision have an immediate impact on you as a citizen.
County Council is responsible for the following:
- Adopt and amend ordinances (local rules) and resolutions
- Determine how much money is to be spent for what purposes, according to the needs and priorities set by council
- Determine what county taxes are to be levied
- Approve contracts, agreements, and bids
- Appoint residents to various boards and committees
State Representative (Lower House):A "state" representative (also known as the Honorable or State Rep.) serves in the "State" House of Representatives in Columbia, South Carolina. There are 124 state representatives in South Carolina. A state representative serves a two year term, then they must be re-elected.
State Senator (Upper House):A "state" senator serves in the "State" Senate in Columbia, South Carolina. There are 46 state senators in South Carolina. A state senator serves a four year term, then they must be re-elected.
The State House of Representatives and Senators, forms the legislative branch of the South Carolina state government and works alongside the governor of South Carolina to create laws and establish a state budget. Legislative authority and responsibilities include passing bills on public policy matters, setting levels for states spending, raising and lowering taxes, and voting to uphold or override gubernatorial (governor) vetos.
United States House of Representatives: A "United States" representative (also known as a Congressman) serves in the "United States" House of Representatives in Washington, DC. There are 448 House of Representatives in the United States. A Congressman serves a two year term, then they must be re-elected.
United States Senate:A "United States" senator serves in the "United States" Senate in Washington, D.C. There are 100 United States Senators in the United States. A U.S senator serves a six year terms, then they must be re-elected.
The United States House of Representatives and United States Senate together forms the United States Congress. The primary duty of Congress is to write, debate, and pass laws, which are then sent to the president for his approval and final signature. Other congressional duties include investigating pressing national issues and supervising the executive and judicial branches.