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📢 Make your voice heard
Your 2024 primary voter guide for the Midlands
Voters head to the polls Tuesday, June 11 to decide who will be on the ballot in November. | Photo by COLAtoday
Tomorrow, June 11, is election day for statewide primaries in SC, with all 170 House and Senate seats up for election. Here’s what you need to know about how to vote in SC.
Polling locations will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. — as long as you’re in line by 7 p.m., you will be able to vote. Plan ahead by finding your polling place and checking your voter registration status.
In Richland County, key races include several County Council Districts, SC House, and Senate seats. Voters will decide on Democratic primaries for House Districts 70, 72, 73, and 79, as well as Senate Districts 19 and 22.
In Lexington County, voters face contested primaries for County Council Districts 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6, as well as sheriff. Additionally, races are taking place in SC House Districts 39, 40, 85, 87, and 88, and Senate Districts 22 and 26.
South Carolina does not require party registration, so any registered voter can participate in either the Republican or Democratic primary, but not both. If a runoff occurs, voters can only participate if they voted in that party’s primary or did not vote in either primary. Absentee voting is available for eligible residents, such as those with physical disabilities or those over 65.
Primary election results will begin to appear after 7 p.m. on Election Day. All runoff elections will be held on Tuesday, June 25.
For more details on these races and other voting information, visit scVOTES. Pro tip: Be Bring a valid photo ID and double-check your polling location before heading out.
Asked
Who was Columbia’s first intendant/mayor in 1806?
A. John Lewis Gervais
B. John Taylor
C. William Ford DeSaussure
D. Dr. Fort Sumter Earle
Palmetto Opera presents A Celebration of Love | Monday, June 10 | 3-5 p.m. | Koger Center for the Arts, 1051 Greene St., Columbia | $60-$65 | From hopelessly devoted love to unrequited love to love lost, this opera is an homage to the entire spectrum of our most treasured human experience.
Tuesday, June 11
8th Annual Taste on the River | Tuesday, June 11 | 5:30-9 p.m. | Stone River, 121 Alexander Rd., West Columbia | $100 | Celebrate the Midlands food scene while supporting the ongoing beautification efforts in West Columbia.
GWAR | Tuesday, June 11 | 7 p.m. | The Senate, 1022B Senate St., Columbia | $32.50 | GWAR’s theatrical performance promises an unforgettable night of metal mayhem.
Wednesday, June 12
Morning Blend: A Jazz, Soul, and Coffee Series | Wednesday, June 12 | 7:30-10:30 a.m. | Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main St., Columbia | Free | Celebrate Pride month as the Kyle Bryant Trio plays music written + performed by LGBTQ+ musicians and Preach Jacobs spins DJ sets.
Thursday, June 13
Varna International • Puccini’s Messa di Gloria | Thursday, June 13 | 7:30 p.m. | Koger Center for the Arts, 1051 Greene St., Columbia | $25+ | Exhibiting the young musician’s passion and tenacity, it was originally performed in the 1880s.
Friday, June 14
Steve Miller Band | Friday, June 14 | 7:30 p.m. | The Township Auditorium, 1703 Taylor St., Columbia | $67-$177 | Hear the greatest hits from the classic rock band like “The Joker,” “Jet Airliner,” and “Abracadrabra.”
Gadgetboy is now open at 2822 Devine St. — across from Sully’s Steamers — offering a range of tech gear + repair services for computers, smartphones, and gaming systems. The store features a relaxing lounge area and mural by artist Ija Charles. (The State)
Outdoors
The final portion of the Cayce Riverwalk, previously closed for flood damage repairs, has reopened. The city celebrated the boardwalk’s completion and invites the people to enjoy its scenic Congaree views.
Eat
“The Local Palate” magazine is looking for the “Top Culinary Town in the South,” and Cola made the list. Vote for Columbia to secure the top spot by Sunday, June 16.
Kids
The North Columbia Youth Empowerment Initiative (NCYEI) is hosting a “Be Safe Block Party” Summer Series, themed “Peace Champs.” Events run throughout the summer in North Columbia, promoting community unity.
Civic
The City of Columbia is accepting applications for vacancies on various boards and commissions, including the Board of Zoning Appeals, Citizens Advisory Committee, and the Climate Protection Action Committee. Applications are due by Monday, July 1.
Listen
Will the Panthers new head coach Dave Canales change the culture in Carolina? Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Carolina Pantherswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Community
Looking for your next great read? Explore Richland Library’s staff-curated book lists, featuring everything from beach reads to thrilling mysteries. Fill out this form to have personalized picks sent straight to your inbox.*
Woman-owned business Royal Highnies uses airy, 400-thread count Pima cotton to create luxury loungewear for the whole family. It all began with boxer shorts, and now, trademarked Highnies are sold in over 500 retailers — but you can snag free hats for Father’s Day exclusively online with code ROYALDADDY24.*
Health
What happens when you combine German engineering with the world’s most trusted name in hearing care? The biggest breakthrough in hearing technology in more than a decade: the Horizon hearing aid. (This is not your grandpa’s hearing device.)See if you qualify for a free trial.*
Outdoors
🥾 Lace up your hiking boots
11 hiking trails to try in and around Columbia
The Boyd Passage Trailhead opens a fresh route on the Palmetto Trail, thanks to The Boyd Foundation. | Photos by COLAtoday
We love spending time outdoors on Columbia’s hiking trails. That’s why we put together a guide highlighting eight hiking trails in the area. Start planning your next adventure and experience breathtaking views with some of these local hikes.
This moderately challenging route takes locals ~43 min to complete. This trail is open year-round and be aware that parts of the trail may be muddy, so locals recommend going when it’s been beautiful outside for a few days in a row.
If you’re looking for a relaxing walk through the hardwood forest where you can observe many types of trees and wildlife throughout the walk, this trail is for you. The boardwalk is stroller and wheelchair accessible; however, the park is within a floodplain, so check the trails’ conditions before going. If you want more of a challenge, check out Weston Lake Loop Trail (4.4 miles), Oakridge Trail (~7 miles), or River Trail (~10 miles).
Are you looking for a way to challenge your brain and have a great time with friends? Columbia’s trivia nights are the perfect blend of fun and intellect. Stay up-to-speed with the Palmetto Trivia group that hosts events from The Dale’s Biergarten in Springdale to Chubby’s in Blythewood, and several places in between.
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