Beaufort County, October 11, 2025
News Summary
Residents of Beaufort County are getting ready for municipal elections affecting Port Royal, Bluffton, and Yemassee. With around 140,000 registered voters, a low turnout of only 20% is expected. Candidates are competing for town council seats, and the importance of voter participation is emphasized. The elections serve as a learning opportunity for new poll workers. Recently, Marie Smalls retired as the director of the Board of Voter Registration and Elections, marking a significant change in leadership.
Beaufort County residents are preparing for the upcoming municipal elections scheduled to take place in less than a month, with the elections affecting the towns of Port Royal, Bluffton, and Yemassee. Approximately 140,000 residents are registered to vote in Beaufort County, but a voter turnout of only 20% is expected on Election Day, according to the Training and Outreach Coordinator for the Board of Voter Registration and Elections.
In Port Royal, three candidates are competing for two seats on the town council, whereas Bluffton features two candidates vying for the same number of council seats. Yemassee voters will not only vote for two town council seats but also for the mayor. Officials emphasize the importance of municipal elections and encourage voter participation, highlighting how these local decisions can significantly impact daily life.
Despite a general trend of lower turnout in municipal elections compared to presidential elections, the upcoming elections also stand as a critical learning experience for 25 to 30 newly trained poll workers. These individuals will gain hands-on experience in preparing for the anticipated gubernatorial election in the following year.
Recently, Marie Smalls retired as the director of the Beaufort County Board of Voter Registration and Elections after a notable 12-year tenure. Smalls had a 43-year career with the county and was recognized for her dedicated service to the electoral system. Under her guidance, the elections office expanded from five to 11 staff members and doubled the number of voting precincts in Beaufort County, rising from around 70 to 134. Smalls received the Moore Award in 2024 from the South Carolina Association of Registration and Election Officials for her outstanding service.
As for the Yemassee municipal elections, the candidate filing period opened on August 22 and will conclude in early September. The town operates under a council form of government which includes four council members and a mayor, all elected at-large. Council member terms are staggered and last four years, with elections held every two years, determining the future leadership of the council.
It is essential for voters to be registered to participate in the upcoming Yemassee election, as registration deadlines vary for residents of Beaufort and Hampton counties. Citizens are encouraged to make sure they are registered well before the deadline to ensure they can make their voice heard.
In summary, as Beaufort County gears up for the municipal elections, participation, awareness, and registration remain crucial for residents wishing to influence their local government. Each vote carries the potential to shape the community’s future, reinforcing the relevance of municipal elections on citizens’ everyday lives.
FAQ
What towns are holding municipal elections in Beaufort County?
Municipal elections are scheduled for residents in Port Royal, Bluffton, and Yemassee.
How many residents in Beaufort County are registered to vote?
About 140,000 residents are registered to vote in Beaufort County.
What is the expected voter turnout for the upcoming elections?
A 20% voter turnout is expected on Election Day.
How many candidates are running for council seats in Port Royal?
In Port Royal, three candidates are vying for two town council seats.
What is the candidate situation in Bluffton?
In Bluffton, there are two candidates running for two town council seats.
What will voters in Yemassee be deciding?
Yemassee voters will vote for two town council seats and for the mayor.
Who recently retired from the Beaufort County Board of Voter Registration and Elections?
Marie Smalls recently retired as director of the Beaufort County Board of Voter Registration and Elections after 12 years in the role.
When does the candidate filing period for Yemassee end?
The candidate filing period for the Yemassee Municipal General Election will close in early September.
Key Features of the Upcoming Elections in Beaufort County
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Registered Voters | About 140,000 residents |
| Expected Voter Turnout | 20% |
| Towns Involved | Port Royal, Bluffton, Yemassee |
| Candidates in Port Royal | 3 candidates for 2 council seats |
| Candidates in Bluffton | 2 candidates for 2 council seats |
| Yemassee Elections | Vote for 2 council seats and Mayor |
| Poll Workers | 25-30 newly trained |
| Candidate Filing Period for Yemassee | Opened August 22, closes early September |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
No Kings Coalition Plans Protest Across South Carolina
Skyrocketing Home Prices Challenge Hilton Head Residents
Clyburn Hosts Community Town Hall in Beaufort to Support Veterans
Beaufort Closes Section of Waterfront Park Due to Structural Issues
Charleston Students Lead Fight Against Book Bans
Beaufort County Council Rejects Pine Island Development Proposal
Your Pie Inaugurates New Location in Beaufort
Bluffton Gears Up for Fall Events and Community Activities
NOB Dems Meet as Political Landscape Shifts in Beaufort
Phil Cromer Reelected as Beaufort Mayor Amid Voter Engagement
Additional Resources
- WTOC: Beaufort County Expecting Lower Turnout
- Island Packet: Beaufort News Article
- WCTI: Beaufort County Sheriff Re-election Bid
- WITN: Republican Candidates in Beaufort County
- Bluffton Today: Yemassee Municipal Elections
- Wikipedia: Elections in the United States
- Google Search: Beaufort County Elections
- Google Scholar: Beaufort County Elections
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Election
- Google News: Beaufort County Elections
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
