2026 Municipal Election Information

Filing opens July 1 at noon for two City Council seats

BEAUFORT, S.C. - Registered voters in the City of Beaufort who are interested in serving in local government in an elected capacity have the opportunity to run for City Council this fall. 

Two council seats are on the ballot this November. In South Carolina, municipal offices are non-partisan, allowing qualified candidates to run for office by filing a Statement of Candidacy. 

Those interested must live in the City of Beaufort and be a registered voter in South Carolina. All the filing requirements can be found in the Candidate Information Packet below. The deadline to file is Aug. 15. 

Packets are available now to be picked up from City Hall either in the first-floor lobby or the Office of City Clerk on the second floor. Filing will open at noon on Monday, July 1, 2026. 

Packets must be returned in person to the Office of City Clerk no later than noon, Aug. 15. Packets may not be mailed in or emailed. 

The filing fee for candidates is $150. 

The General Election will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 3. Newly elected officeholders will be sworn in and begin their terms on Dec. 8. If additional information is needed, please call the City Clerk at 843-525-7024.

Candidate Information Packet