Support Us Button Widget

How to run for office in Columbia, SC

Columbia, SC city view

Columbia, SC city view | Photo via @susanmitchell7434

So you want to run for office? Good for you. Here’s how you get started.

Next week, the City of Columbia will open the filing period (Mon., Aug. 2—Fri., Aug. 13) for interested candidates to apply to run for public office.

Current opportunities to serve

  • Mayor
  • Councilmember At-Large
  • Councilmember District 1
  • Councilmember District 4

All of the elected positions will be 4-year terms. The term of the office for council members are staggered, meaning half of the positions are elected every 2 years. If elected these candidates will serve until Dec. 31, 2025.

Do you qualify to run?

You can apply to run for public office if you are at least 18-years-old, are currently registered to vote, live in the district + county at the time of the election, and can commit to a 4-year term. There is a filing fee of $530 for the office of Council + $1,000 to become the mayor.

We will see you at the polls for the general election on Tues., Nov. 2.

Poll

More from COLAtoday
Columbia, SC has 230+ years of history. In this guide, we’re diving into the city’s oldest streets and how they got their names.
Discover Columbia’s late-night dining spots, from Tex-Mex and pizza to pub fare and desserts, perfect for post-11 p.m. cravings.
With a history dating back thousands of years, museums in the Midlands showcase the history of the area, from the earliest settlers to the the trains that transformed cities and towns.
Explore these dog-friendly businesses in Columbia that span from places to eat, drink, shop, exercise, and stay the night.
Check out these 11 hiking trails catering to all skill levels in and around Columbia, SC, for outdoor adventures.
Pack your reusable shopping bags, because we’ve rounded up 10 farmers markets around Columbia, SC.
If you’re planning a tubing trip with friends or family, this guide is for you and highlights everything you need to know about tubing down the river in Columbia
Every year, Columbia hosts the SC Juneteenth Freedom Festival (SCJFF) and we’re breaking down how you can get involved around town.
Rivers, lakes + streams, oh my. The Midlands has some pretty great freshwater fishing spots and is only about an hour from saltwater. Reference this guide before you fish around Columbia.
Curious about rent in Columbia? We broke down how local prices compare to national averages and trends.