8 Things to Know Before Running for Local Office
September 27, 2023
Run for City Legislature in Hilton Head Island
Election Date: Jun 9, 2026Filing Deadline: Mar 30, 2026
Election Details
- Office level: town
- Length of term: 4 years
- Commitment level: N/A
- Affiliation: nonpartisan
- Typical salary: N/A
- Filing period: Mar 16, 2026 - Mar 30, 2026
- Positions: Hilton Head Island Town Council - Ward 5Hilton Head Island Town Council - Ward 2Hilton Head Island Town Council - Ward 4Hilton Head Island Town Council - Ward 2Hilton Head Island Town Council - Ward 4...
Job description
The City Legislature is the municipality's governing body, responsible for voting on ordinances and policies, and often is in charge of hiring a city manager.
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 18 years old.
FAQ
How often is City Legislature elected?
The position of City Legislature is typically elected every 4 years.
What does it mean for an election to be nonpartisan?
Nonpartisan elections do not require candidates to declare a party affiliation.
What are the filing requirements to get on the ballot in Hilton Head Island?
Citizens who are interested in filing for candidacy may do so in the Records Center at Town Hall, One Town Center Court, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., beginning Monday, August 1, 2016, until 12:00 p.m., Monday, August 15, 2016. The candidacy filing form will be available in the Records Center and is also available on the Town website, www.hiltonheadislandsc.gov. Candidates may either file in person or by agent. If filing in person, candidates must bring a photo ID and wait to sign the Statement of Intention of Candidacy Nonpartisan Form before a Town employee. If filing by agent, the Statement of Candidacy form must be notarized in advance. The filing fee is $35.00 and may be paid by cash, credit card, or check made payable to Town of Hilton Head Island. All candidates must be registered to vote in the Town of Hilton Head Island. Candidates may run for Town Council for the ward in which they reside. Each candidate must file a SC State Ethics Commission Statement of Economic Interests form by using the electronic filing system at http://ethics.sc.gov. This is a nonpartisan election and no party affiliation shall be placed on the ballot. All filing questions can be directed to the Town's Records Administrator at 843-341-4604. All election questions can be directed to Beaufort County Election Office at 843-255-6900.
Where do I submit my candidate paperwork?
Submit paperwork to the County Board of Elections' office.
Where is the filing office?
15 John Galt Road (29906-4290), Post Office Drawer 1228, Beaufort, SC 29901-1228.
How can I get in touch with the filing office?
You can contact the filing office by calling 843-255-6900.
How do I get started running for City Legislature?
You can start running for City Legislature by checking to ensure you meet all filing deadlines and requirements. Next, you can prepare to file for office and start planning your campaign strategy. Get in touch with our team of campaign experts for help with any step of the campaign process!
Is there a primary or runoff election for this office?
The next election for City Legislature includes a primary, but not a runoff election.
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