Florence Prepares for Special Election Amid Awareness Concerns

News Summary

As residents gear up for a special election on April 1 to fill the vacant at-large council seat, many are unaware of the upcoming vote, raising alarms among community leaders. Local advocates held a press conference highlighting the lack of public awareness, as only a few residents knew about the election. Officials stress the importance of communication in municipal elections, while early voting begins on March 17, offering residents an opportunity to participate in the democratic process.

Florence Gears Up for Special Election but Awareness is Lacking

Florence is buzzing with anticipation as residents prepare for a special election on April 1 to fill the at-large council seat left vacant by Lethonia “Peaches” Barnes, who brought home the mayoral victory last November. However, it appears that many local folks are in the dark about the upcoming vote, raising eyebrows and questions among community leaders.

Local Leaders Raise the Alarm

Recently, LaNika Shelly Williams and Elder James Williams from the National Racial Justice Network held a press conference to shed light on the unfortunate lack of public awareness surrounding this important election. They highlighted that even long-time residents, including some former school teachers, are completely unaware of the scheduled voting event. This sparked concern among attendees, including Florence City Councilman Lashonda Nesmith Jackson and candidate Tonya Morman Jackson.

A Survey of Awareness

To drive her point home, LaNika Williams conducted a survey with 100 locals. Out of all those surveyed, only three people knew about the upcoming election. The severe lack of communication has been particularly startling compared to past elections that garnered significantly more attention through various platforms including social media and local newspapers.

The Responsibility Game

Florence County’s Voter Registration and Elections Officer, Julian Young, has stated that it’s primarily the city’s responsibility to notify residents about municipal races. While election information has been posted on the county’s website, the effectiveness of these online updates is in question. Young has noted that municipal elections, such as this special election, require active communication efforts from the city.

Setting the Stage for Voter Awareness

Florence City Manager Scotty Davis weighed in on the issue by referencing the S.C. Code of Laws Section 7-13-35, which mandates that two notices about the election must be published in a newspaper that has a general circulation. The first notice should appear no later than 60 days before the election, and a follow-up notice is required to come out within two weeks of the first notice.

The Candidate’s Role

As a candidate for the at-large seat, Tonya Morman Jackson acknowledged that it’s crucial for candidates to step up and help raise awareness about the election. According to her, taking initiative in spreading the word is part of the job. In a collaborative effort, Elder Williams suggested they turn to social media as a modern solution to amplify their message and spread information effectively.

Don’t Forget the Early Voting

For those eager to make their voices heard, early voting is right around the corner! It kicks off on March 17 and runs until March 28. Voting centers will be open every weekday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Voters can cast their ballots at two locations: Election Central and Mt. Zion AME Church. It’s a fantastic opportunity for residents to participate in the election ahead of the big day!

Conclusion

As the countdown to the special election begins, it’s an excellent moment for residents of Florence to rally together and ensure awareness about their right to vote. With a little boost from candidates and community leaders, the town can make sure that everyone has the opportunity to take part in this crucial decision-making process. Remember, your vote is your voice, Florence!

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Additional Resources

• WMBF News: Florence Mayor-Elect Clears Up Ballot Confusion
• WBTW News: Pivotal Pee Dee Senate Race
• SCNow: Early Voting Starts in Florence County
• Wikipedia: Elections in South Carolina
• Google News: Florence Special Election