Strong Mayor Vote on the Line
This video is no longer available.
Columbia, S.C. (WOLO) — While the the referendum vote on the form of government for the City of Columbia is a critical one, it is resulting in low voter turnout, which is normal for special elections.
Some 72,000 voters in the city limits of Columbia are registered; however, election officials say low turnout exists precinct-wide. Richland County Elections and Voter Registration Office Director, Howard Jackson, says out of the 700 absentee ballots applications received by voters, 600 of those forms were returned to the office complete.
Earlier in the day, one voting precinct celebrated its 50th voter by Noon.
On the ballot is the question of whether or not to change Columbia’s council-mayor form of government to a mayor-council, or strong mayor, form of government. Doing so would shift more executive authority from the city manager and members of council to an elected mayor. Both ‘yes’ and ‘no’ sides have made their voices and opinions known in what has become a closely-watched campaign to sway voters.
Polls citywide close at 7:00 pm. Catch the latest details on today’s election on ABC Columbia News at 11.
