Lancaster County Opens Filing Period for 2025 Municipal Elections; General Election Set for November 4, 2025

LANCASTER COUNTY, S.C. — The filing period for candidates interested in running for local office in the City of Lancaster and the Towns of Heath Springs, Kershaw, and Van Wyck opens at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, August 1, 2025, and closes at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 14, 2025.

The municipal general elections are scheduled for Tuesday, November 4, 2025, during which mayoral and council positions across these municipalities will appear on the ballot.

Offices on the Ballot & Filing Details

Candidates must file their declaration in person at the Lancaster County Board of Voter Registration and Elections, located in the lower level of the County Administration Building at 101 N. Main Street, Lancaster, SC 29720.

• City of Lancaster: City Council Districts 3, 4, and 6
  • Filing Fee: $35 (check payable to the City of Lancaster)
• Town of Heath Springs: Mayor and two at-large Town Council seats
  • No filing fee required
• Town of Kershaw: Town Council Districts 3, 4, and one at-large seat
  • No filing fee required
• Town of Van Wyck: Mayor and two at-large Town Council seats
  • No filing fee required

Candidates must submit the nonpartisan “Statement of Intention of Candidacy” form, available both at the county elections office and online at scVOTES.gov. Filing must occur within office hours, Monday–Friday, 8:30?a.m. to 5:00?p.m.

Additionally, candidates must file a Statement of Economic Interests and a Campaign Disclosure Report with the South Carolina State Ethics Commission via ethics.sc.gov. While failure to submit these forms may result in a fine, it does not disqualify a candidate.

Voter Registration and Absentee Voting

Residents must register to vote at least 30 days prior to the election. Voter registration is available online at scVOTES.gov, which requires a valid South Carolina driver’s license or ID card.

Absentee ballots can no longer be requested via email. Voters must request by phone, mail, or in person at their county elections office. For details on procedures and deadlines, consult the South Carolina Elections Commission’s website.