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