Run for County Sheriff in Beaufort County, SC

No person may be popularly elected to and serve in any office in the State unless he is registered to vote in the geographical area represented by the office (S.C. Constitution, Article VI, Section 1). A person convicted of a felony or an offense against the election laws is not qualified to file for or hold office, unless it has been fifteen years since the completion of the sentence for the crime or unless the person has been pardoned (S.C. Constitution, Article VI, Section 1). Candidate's qualifications for all offices, are determined at the time of the election and not at the time of filing or nomination. Some individuals may be restricted from running for public office by the federal Hatch Act. The Act applies to federal employees and others receiving federal funds and restricts their participation in campaigns for partisan offices. For detailed information regarding the Hatch Act, visit the website of the U.S. Office of Special Counsel. Candidates must be 21 years old, a US citizen and have been a resident of the county for at least 1 year immediately preceding the election. Candidates for sheriff must also meet the following qualifications (S.C. Code of Laws 23-11-110): Must have one of the following combinations of education and experience: High school diploma & 5 years experience as a certified law enforcement officer; or 2 year associate degree & 3 years experience as a certified law enforcement officer; or 4 year bachelors degree & 1 year experience as a certified law enforcement officer; or Served as a summary court judge for at least 10 years. Must not have pled guilty or been convicted of a felony in this state or in any other state or pled guilty or been convicted of driving under suspension of a license or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol within the past 10 years.