This Fall’s Ballot Questions
Our country uses a representative form of government. That means the citizens elect people to represent them in their government. Elections are an important way that Realtors, and Americans in general, can participate in their government—by voting for the people who represent them.
Sometimes, our representatives ask us questions when we vote. Some of those questions are non-binding, but for many of the questions on the ballot, we as voters are representing ourselves with our votes. That is the case with two of the questions I have highlighted below.
Election day is November 5, but early voting starts October 21.
Constitutional Amendment
Every voter in the state will see this question on their ballot this fall:
Must Section 4, Article II of the Constitution of this State, relating to voter qualifications, be amended so as to provide 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?
Yes, In Favor of the Question
No, Opposed to the Question
The effect of this question is to limit the right to vote in our state’s constitution to citizens of the United States and the State of South Carolina who are properly registered and entitled to vote. The state constitution is currently silent on voter registration, although state law requires a person to register to vote to be entitled to vote.
Penny Sales Taxes
According to the SC Association of REALTORS®, there are 20 referendums around the state related to the addition of a local option sales tax, commonly called a penny sales tax. Some of the referendums, if approved, would renew an existing penny. But two questions in the Upstate would impose new penny sales taxes, both for roads and bridges. One of those is in Anderson County. The other is in Greenville County.
If approved by Anderson County voters, an additional penny sales tax would be added beginning in May 2025. The penny sales tax would fund road improvement projects around Anderson County. Download a list of those projects here.
The penny sales tax exempts unprepared foods like groceries. It is projected to raise about $30 million per year. The sales tax will be imposed for 7 years, or when $266 million is raised, whichever occurs first. This would be the second local option sales tax in Anderson County. The voters approved another for schools.
When to vote
Early voting begins October 21. Each county will open at least one early voting center, which will be open Monday-Saturday from 8:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. through November 2. Election day is November 5 and polls will be open 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. You can find your polling place in each county by clicking on the links below:
Or you can visit SCVotes.gov.
Voter Guide
Later this month, your Western Upstate Association of REALTORS® will Realtors a Voter Guide listing all the candidates for each race. We encourage you to review it as you prepare to vote, whether you vote early or on election day.
Support RPAC
You and your association can influence how your government affects you and regulates your industry.
Elections are an important way that your association represents you and helps make a strong market for real estate. Elections are also an important way that you participate in your government. Your association’s objective is to help elect candidates who share the Realtor position that a vibrant and healthy real estate market is vital to a vibrant and healthy economy. Of course, you must balance your personal and business interests when you vote.
You can help your industry by supporting RPAC. It’s easy. Your association includes a voluntary contribution to RPAC on your annual dues invoice. Pay it, and you are an RPAC supporter. If you haven’t supported RPAC this year, I encourage you to do so by clicking here.
Michael Dey, Director of Government Affairs