Summerville voters to see little change

EDITOR's NOTE:

Earlier versions of this story did not completely describe the June primary election in Dorchester County. Both the Republican and Democratic parties will hold primaries.

SUMMERVILLE -- The biggest changes for voters in the town's turnover of its elections to Dorchester County won't be much. In fact, if you vote in the Republican or Democratic primaries in June or the national election in November, just remember the place.

That's where you'll go for the next town election, in November 2013. County precinct polling places are replacing traditional town spots, such as Fire Station No. 1; the precincts are noted on voter registration cards.

Balloting in the machines will be set individually for voters in various town districts, said Josh Dickard, executive director of Dorchester County Board of Elections and Voter Registration.

Some residents will notice they are voting for a different council seat because there have been minor changes to the lines of the six council voting districts to reflect growth in the 2010 census. Overall, the new lines are not dramatically different.

Town Council recently gave final approval for a partial turnover of elections to the county board. The council also has approved moving the voting day from May to the national standard November day.

"Partial" means the town election commission will continue to certify candidates and election results, with county oversight; the council appoints the commission.

The voting day change and district lines have been sent to the U.S. Justice Department for review. Both are expected to be approved.

Councilman Bob Jackson cast a lone vote opposing the turnover, wanting a full turnover with the county certifying.

"I just think the more eyes the better," he said. Having a third party handle the politically charged details of candidates and votes makes the process more transparent, he said.

Councilman Bill McIntosh, one of the members who voted for the partial turnover, said the county election commission is made up of political appointees.

Keeping a town commission means " you have people who actually live in town and have a connection to the town certify the results," he said. "There's a tradition in town of public-minded citizens serving on the commission. I think people are comfortable with people from the community serving in this capacity."