8 Things to Know Before Running for Local Office
September 27, 2023
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JoinRun for Secretary of State in South Carolina
Election Date: Nov 3, 2026Filing Deadline: Mar 31, 2026
Election Details
- Office level: state
- Length of term: 4 years
- Commitment level: Full Time
- Affiliation: partisan
- Typical salary: $92,007/year
- Is this a runoff election? No
- Is this a primary election? No
- Filing period: Mar 16, 2026 - Mar 31, 2026
- Positions: Vice President of the United StatesSouth Carolina GovernorU.S. Senate - South CarolinaSouth Carolina Comptroller GeneralSouth Carolina Attorney General...
Job description
The Secretary of State is the chief clerk of the state responsible for maintaining state records.
Eligibility requirements
At least 18 years old, registered voter, US citizen, state resident
Filing instructions
Filing office address: State Election Commission, 1122 Lady Street, Suite 500, Columbia, SC 29201
Filing phone number: 803-734-9060
Paperwork instructions: Submit paperwork to the State Election Commission's office.
Filing requirements: Filing fee is $3,680; signature requirement of at least 5% of the active, registered voters in the geographical area the office represents
FAQ
How often is Secretary of State elected?
The position of Secretary of State is typically elected every 4 years.
What does it mean for an election to be partisan?
Partisan elections require candidates to declare a party affiliation, like Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, or Independent.
What are the filing requirements to get on the ballot in South Carolina?
Filing fee is $3,680; signature requirement of at least 5% of the active, registered voters in the geographical area the office represents
Where do I submit my candidate paperwork?
Submit paperwork to the State Election Commission's office.
Where is the filing office?
State Election Commission, 1122 Lady Street, Suite 500, Columbia, SC 29201.
How can I get in touch with the filing office?
You can contact the filing office by calling 803-734-9060.
How do I get started running for Secretary of State?
You can start running for Secretary of State 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 Secretary of State does not include a primary or runoff election.
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