Early Voting Kicks Off in Greenville County for the 2024 General Election
Greenville County residents, are you ready to make your voice heard? Although we haven’t quite hit November yet, early voting for the 2024 General Election begins this Monday, October 21. It’s an exciting time filled with decisions that could shape our future. In addition to local, state, and federal races, there are two important referendums that you’ll be looking at when you head to the polls.
What’s on the Ballot?
First up is a state constitutional amendment that everyone in South Carolina will encounter. The question revolves around voter qualifications, asking whether South Carolina’s constitution should be altered to state that “only a citizen of the United States and of this State of the age of eighteen and upwards who is properly registered is entitled to vote as provided by law?”
Currently, the language in South Carolina’s Constitution reads quite similarly, allowing registered citizens of the United States who are at least 18 years old to vote. So, you might be wondering why this change is being proposed. The push for the amendment came after South Carolina’s Governor Henry McMaster directed the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) to investigate claims of non-citizens voting in the state.
Back in May, the South Carolina Freedom Caucus raised concerns over a possible voter registration incident involving a refugee. However, SLED later confirmed that there had been no significant evidence of voter fraud. It turns out that some refugees had received a combined form for voter registration and declination, which may have caused some confusion.
Opposition to the proposed amendment comes from groups like the League of Women Voters of Greenville County, whose president, Susan Bell, expressed that such a change is “unnecessary” and creates an opening for future voting restrictions.
Looking at Greenville County’s Sales Tax Increase
The second question on your ballot is a bit of a heavier topic—whether or not to raise the county’s sales tax by one percent. This proposed penny sales tax aims to fund vital road projects across the county. If it passes, the sales tax would rise from 6% to 7%, and it’s estimated to bring in more than $1 billion over the span of eight years.
The sales tax increase is being proposed as a solution to the increasing deterioration of roads in Greenville. A recent inventory of the county’s roads showed that most are rated as “fair” or “poor.” With only a limited portion of roads able to be paved each year, many residents are feeling the impact of increasingly unsafe driving conditions.
When you cast your vote, you will see a lengthy description outlining the specific projects that this added revenue will cover. From road resurfacing to safety improvements, this tax aims to alleviate some of the congestion and enhance infrastructure.
Community Conversations Around the Referendums
The debate among county council members on how to tackle road issues continues to be a hot topic. Not all members agree on this approach; there have been divided votes on whether to place the tax increase on the ballot. Some members feel it represents “double taxation,” given that taxes already exist to fund road repairs. Still, many support this measure, saying residents deserve a say in how to improve their own community’s roads.
While some residents might wonder if a sales tax hike is the right solution, others believe it’s a necessary step given the current state of the roads. After all, as council member Chris Harrison pointed out, every person living in Greenville County should have a voice in this decision-making process.
Vote Early and Make It Count!
If you haven’t voted early yet, make sure to check your registration status and head out to cast your ballot starting October 21. These vote options ensure you can make your voice heard in the decision-making processes that affect our daily lives!
Remember, your vote is your power—let’s use it wisely, Greenville!
