Job description
The County Sheriff is the chief law enforcement official of the county and is responsible for ensuring that all local, state, and federal laws are followed.
Eligibility requirements
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.
Filing instructions
Filing office address: 15 John Galt Road (29906-4290), Post Office Drawer 1228, Beaufort, SC 29901-1228
Filing phone number: 843-255-6900
Paperwork instructions: Submit paperwork to the County Board of Elections' office.
Filing requirements: Candidates for offices with a party primary are asked to submit three copies of a completed Statement of Intention of Candidacy/Party Pledge form (SICPP) available at scVOTES.org to the county electoral commission. Please wait to sign the form in front of an election official unless you are having the form notarized. Candidates must also submit a filing fee of $4158.19 made out to their respective state political party (Cashier's checks and money orders are acceptable. Cash will not be accepted). South Carolina law further requires that candidates complete a Statement of Economic Interest and submit it electronically to the State Ethics Commission website before March 30th by noon or during the 14 day filing period for elections that do not coincide with the November general.