Frustrated Voters Cite ‘Misinformation’ at Election Forums

Columbia, S.C. (WOLO)  —  Willie Chatman came to Greenview Park to be educated on the strong mayor form of government. She says a critical December 3rd special election on the the issue calls for her to know what’s going on.

“That’s what I thought I was coming to hear,” said Chatman.

Instead, she was greeted by a person from the South Carolina League of Women Voters who showed up to talk about changes in the state’s voter photo-ID law. When the League rep found out that’s not what voters wanted to hear, she left frustrated, and Chatman then confronted her city council representative, Sam Davis, about the ordeal.

“Well,l if there is miscommunication, then we need to find out what’s wrong,” said Davis.

The City of Columbia is partnering with organizations like the League of Women Voters to host several education forums. However, the sessions promise to cover a variety of topics, including forms of government, voter registration, voter identification, absentee voting and other related topics.
Just whom will discuss which topic on which day is unclear.

“I feel we aren’t being told about things we should be told about. It’s misinformation,” said Chatman. “They’re not putting out that information, but they’re always out here when it’s time to vote for them.”

A City of Columbia employee admits there is confusion about the kind of information being disseminated at these education forums. She says she will send out a revised, updated agenda for future forums in an effort to ease the minds of voters. When we get that information we will pass it along to you.