Candidates file for upcoming Loris City Council election

By Kaye Collins

Three city council positions are available in Loris. The filing period started on Friday, Aug. 22, at noon and will end on Friday, Sept. 5, at noon. It’s important to stick to these dates and times, as South Carolina law does not permit early or late filings.

As of Monday, Aug. 25, three candidates filed their intent to run for Loris City Council. Council members Kelli Gerald and Carroll D. Padgett, Jr. filed on Friday, Aug. 22, at city hall. Newcomer Candice Grella signed her statement of intention of candidacy just after noon on Friday. Councilwoman Andrea Coleman stated she is giving serious thought to serve another four years on council and will make that decision on Friday.

An individual running for a seat on the Loris City Council must live within Loris city limits and be at least 18 years old. At the time of filing as a candidate a valid photo ID, valid voter registration ID card and pay the $200 filing fee for the election.

After filing visit the South Carolina State Election Commission Website and complete the required ethics forms.

City workers cannot assist any candidate with their paperwork or offer support in submitting the forms needed by the South Carolina State Ethics Commission. After that, the city clerk will notarize the documents.

Individuals wishing to vote in the November election must ensure they are correctly registered in the Horry County Books of Registration as a voter in the precinct where they intend to cast their ballot. The registration deadline, whether done by mail or in person, is Oct. 4, 2025. Furthermore, every voter is required to have resided in South Carolina, Horry County, the City of Loris, and their specific precinct for a minimum of thirty days prior to the election.

Loris has two voting precincts available for residents. Those living on the east side can cast their votes at Loris Elementary School, located at 901 E Highway 9 Business. Meanwhile, west-side residents will vote at the Loris Public Safety Center located at 3909 Walnut Street. Voting hours for both precincts are from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 4.

The early voting phase for the elections on Municipal Election Day begins on Monday, October 20, and ends on Friday, October 31. Early voting centers operate from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Voters have the option to go to any early voting center within their county during this period, where they must present their Photo ID and cast their vote using the same voting system available at their polling place on election day.

Candidates can visit the State Ethics Commission for more information.

Residents have the opportunity to visit https://scvotes.gov/ for any inquiries they may have.