Candidates running for IOP mayor, city council confirmed

Before the polls open on Nov. 4, Isle of Palms residents will have an opportunity to get to know the candidates running for mayor and IOP City Council. There is a three-way race for mayor and a seven-way race for four council seats.

This year’s candidates bring an eclectic mix of experience, fresh ideas and long-standing community involvement. They will be tasked with solving major island issues such as beach preservation, flood mitigation and tourism management.

A candidate forum will be held at the IOP Exchange Club on Oct. 13 at 6 p.m., hosted by the League of Women Voters and the IOP Chamber of Commerce. Below is the list of candidates on this year’s ballot.

RUNNING FOR MAYOR

• Phillip Pounds (incumbent)
• Scott Pierce
• Jon Regan Walters

RUNNING FOR COUNCIL

• John Bogosian (incumbent)
• Katie Miars (incumbent)
• Zach Lary
• Bev Miller
• Krista Swingle
• Andrew Vega
• David Cohen
• Larry Kramer

Local turnout in Isle of Palms has grown significantly, from single-digit percentages in earlier primaries/runoffs to robust engagement in major municipal elections. High-stakes issues such as referendums like the 2023 short-term rental cap drive turnout, while off-cycle or runoff elections see a sharp drop. The city’s election participation generally outpaces county and state averages, especially in high-profile contests.

EARLY VOTING INFORMATION

• Monday, Oct. 20 – Friday, Oct. 24 and Monday, Oct. 27 – Friday, Oct. 31
• 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

LOCATIONS

This year’s election is being held under new rules for providing photo ID at the polling place. The polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. at the following polling places:

• Isle of Palms 1A
  Isle of Palms City Hall
  1207 Palm Blvd.
• Isle of Palms 1B & 1C
  Isle of Palms Recreation Center
  24 28th Ave.

Visit scvotes.gov to find your polling location and view a sample ballot.

HOW TO REGISTER TO VOTE

• In person at the Charleston County Board of Voter Registration and Elections, 4340 Corporate Road, North Charleston
  Online at scvotes.org
• By email attachment to [email protected]
• By mail at P.O. Box 71419, North Charleston, SC 29415
• By phone (843) 744-8683

HOW TO REQUEST AN ABSENTEE APPLICATION

• By mailing a request to the Charleston County Board of Voter Registration and Elections, P.O. Box 71419, North Charleston, SC 29415
• In person at the Charleston County Board of Voter Registration and Elections, 4340 Corporate Road, North Charleston
• By phone (843) 744-8683
• By email to [email protected]
• Online at vote.charlestoncounty.org (live chat feature).

For election coverage and in-depth interviews with candidates, visit IsleOfPalmsPodcast.com.

Staff Report