Election Day is November 3: What You Need to Know to Vote

Mid-term Election Day is November 3 and is quickly approaching. Here are reminders and links that can help you prepare for the voting process.

  • Check your voter information to be sure you are eligible to vote by clicking here.

  • Register to vote, if you have not already done so, by clicking here. In-person registration deadline is October 2, on-line registration deadline is October 4, and registration by mail must be postmarked by October 5. More information about deadlines can be found here. (Scroll down to page 4.)
  • Prepare to vote by reviewing the sample ballot, which is available 45 days prior to election day (September 18). Knowledge is power. Print out the sample ballot and research the candidates. You may bring this with you into the voting cubicle. Remember, in the General Election you can vote for candidates from any political party regardless of your party affiliation.
  • Early voting begins Monday, October 19, until Saturday, October 31 (Closed Sunday, October 27) from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm. Click here for information and locations. The polling locations closest to Seabrook Island are St. John’s Episcopal Church on 3673 Maybank Highway, Johns Island (near Main Road) and Greater Macedonia AME Church on 725 Savage Road, West Ashley (off of US-17N).
  • Absentee voting allows qualified voters to cast a ballot by mail prior to Election Day. It is a multi-step process, so plan ahead. You have to apply for an application, receive the application, and send it in by October 23 at 5:00 pm. You can request an application for a ballot by calling the Charleston County Voter Registration Office at (843) 744-8683. When you receive the ballot, complete it and either mail it in or drop it off. Ballots must be received by the county voter registration office by 7:00 pm on Election Day. Click here for complete details, including addresses and contact information.

    Note: If you request an absentee ballot and wish to vote at an Early Voting Center or on Election Day, you will be required to vote via a provisional ballot. Your ballot will then be reviewed by the Board of Elections & Voter Registration in the days following the election to determine if an absentee ballot has been received and whether to count the provisional ballot or not.
  • In-person voting will be at the Lake House on Tuesday, November 3 from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm.

Sample ballots can be obtained by clicking here, and frequently asked questions are available by clicking here.

Remember: In the General Election, you can vote for candidates from any political party regardless of your party affiliation.

–Tidelines Editors

(Image credit: scvotes.gov)

New Exhibit at the Gibbes: Alice Smith


The Gibbes Museum of Art announces a new exhibit featuring Alice Smith.

Celebrating 150 years of Alice Smith
Beginning September 18, 2026


Alice Ravenel Huger Smith devoted her life to capturing the landscapes and waterways of South Carolina’s Lowcountry. Born in Charleston in 1876, Smith was exposed to painting by attending classes at the art school established by the Carolina Art Association (now the Gibbes Museum of Art.) Throughout her career, Smith honed her craft through a variety of media and techniques, including drawing, etching, block printing, and oil painting. Watercolor, however, is the medium for which Smith is best known. The artist’s celebrated ethereal scenes of marshes, rivers, woodlands, birdlife, and coastal light express her lifelong devotion to nature and to her homeland.

-Submitted by The Gibbes Museum

(Image credit: The Gibbes Museum)

Reminder: Seabrook-Kiawah Island Genealogy Club Presentation on the Angel Oak Tree

Untold Stories of the Angel Oak Preserve
September 23, 1:30 – 3:30 pm
Live Oak Room, Seabrook Island Lake House

The Seabrook–Kiawah Genealogy Club is pleased to welcome Victoria Bock, MPA, Communications Director of the Lowcountry Land Trust, for a special presentation on the Angel Oak Tree.  We hope you will join us for this special program and an opportunity to learn more about the history and preservation of this remarkable Lowcountry landmark. 

Ms. Bock’s presentation will focus on information uncovered about the iconic Angel Oak and the surrounding 44‑acre Angel Oak Preserve. Attendees will hear stories of the land, the people who have shaped it, and the cultural and environmental significance that continues to define the site today. The session also offers a preview of the narratives that will be shared at the future Angel Oak Preserve, highlighting its role in conservation and community heritage.

To help us continue providing high-quality events and resources for our community, we kindly request a $5 donation from all non-members participating in this activity.

The registration deadline is Monday, September 21, 2026.

If you would like to attend, please send your name, your email address, and indicate if you need a gate pass to Seabrookkiawahgc@gmail.com.

-Submitted by Lynn Maney-Mcintosh

(Image credit: Seabrook-Kiawah Genealogy Club)

Summerville Sweet Tea Festival September 19

This year’s Sweet Tea Festival is Saturday, September 19, 2026, in Summerville, the birthplace of sweet tea.

  • Saturday, September 19, 2026
  • 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
  • Hutchinson Square in the heart of historic downtown Summerville
  • Free Admission for this family-friendly festival

This sweet festival pays homage to Summerville’s tea cultivation history, tracing back to the late 1700s. Visitors can explore the Sweet Tea Trail; grab a selfie with Mason, the 15-foot-tall jar that holds the Guinness World Record for the World’s Largest Sweet Iced Tea; or stop by the Visitors Center to see the Sweet Tea Mural.

Click here for more information about Summerville’s sweet tea celebration.

–Tidelines Editors

(Image credit: VisitSummerville.com)

Sand Scraping Project Presentation

On Monday, September 14, Steve Hirsch of SIPOA and Patrick Barrineau of Coastal Science & Engineering presented details about the planned sand scraping project at a Get the Scoop meeting.

If you missed the presentation, you can view it by clicking here. You can also view the presentation at sipoa.org by clicking Activities and Events, then Get the Scoop presentations.

Below is a copy of one of the slides outlining some of the project details that are helpful to know.

–Tidelines Editors

SIGSC Presents: Our Vital Natural Habitats October 19

Our Vital Natural Habitats
Protecting our Coast and Marshlands​

Where: Seabrook Island Lake House
When: Monday, October 19, 2026
Time: Registration and light refreshments at 6:30 pm, program starts at 7:00 pm.

To register, please scan the QR code below.

Join us on October 19 for this lively discussion by Dr. Blake Scott, College of Charleston and Captain Chris Crolley, Coastal Expeditions.

Learn about three collaborative initiatives focused on preserving and protecting our vital coastal ecosystems and marshlands: the work of the Bird Island Research Department (B.I.R.D.), the Coastal Expeditions Foundation, and the M.A.R.S.H. Project.

Dr. Blake Scott is an expert storyteller, historian, published author, and an associate professor at the College of Charleston. His research delves into cultural and ecological links connecting the United States with the Caribbean and Latin America. He is also the co-founder of the M.A.R.S.H. Project.

Captain Chris Crolley, founder, owner, and CEO of Coastal Expeditions, has been a leading figure in ecotourism and outdoor guiding in the South Carolina Lowcountry since 1992. With over 30 years of experience exploring, guiding, and advocating for the protection of our coastline and marshlands, he brings invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing our region.

We invite you to join us on Monday, October 19, for this engaging presentation as Dr. Blake Scott and Captain Chris Crolley share their insights and experiences related to the conservation of South Carolina’s vital marshlands and coastal ecosystems.

Light refreshments and registration will begin at 6:30 pm. To register, please scan the following QR code:

For more information about SIGSC, click here.

-Submitted by Seabrook Island Green Space Conservancy

(Image Credit: SIGSC)

National Security Conference on Latin America

Wednesday, September 30 – Friday, October 2, 2026 
Capers Hall at the Citadel
1 Lee Ave., Charleston, SC, 29403

The public is invited to The Citadel’s 3rd Annual National Security Conference, brought to you by the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. This year’s focus will be on Latin America.

The Departments of Political Science and Intelligence and Security Studies is bringing together the academic, government, and private sector communities to discuss emerging technologies and artificial intelligence, Venezuela, Cuba, China, international drug trafficking, and immigration. Keynote speakers and panelists will examine these topics from several perspectives, including intelligence, AI, diplomacy, military, economic, and law enforcement.

The forum will be held in Capers Auditorium on The Citadel campus and kicks off with a reception on September 30 at 5:00 pm. Speaker program on October 1 runs from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm and includes breakfast, lunch, and a happy hour. The conference concludes on October 2 with sessions from 8:30 am to 11:30 am. General registration is $25. To register for the conference and preview the schedule of sessions and speakers, click here .

For further information, please contact Alexandra Henry at (843) 953-6886 or ahenry4@citadel.edu.

–Tidelines Editors

Keep Up with the Lake House September 16

Activities

Roll With Heart Charity Bocce Ball Tournament – Thursday, September 17 on the Lake House Lawn. This tournament benefits Operation Warm Heart, operated by the Joint Base Charleston First Sergeants Council, and provides immediate assistance to military families during times of unexpected hardship. Click here for more information.

SIPOA Volunteer Fair Happy Hour– Monday, September 28, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at the Lake House. Seabrook Island Property Owners Association is inviting Property Owners to bring their interests, experience, ideas, and perspectives to one of SIPOA’s volunteer committees. Learn about the committees, talk with current volunteers, ask questions, and find an opportunity that interests you. Click here for more information.

Fitness Classes

Click here for the Group Exercise Schedule

Semi-Private Series:
Sign up now for the following semi-private classes. For registration information and detailed descriptions of the individual classes, click here.

  • Yin Yoga – Tuesdays at 5:15 pm. The September series meets from September 1 to 29, and the October series meets from October 6 to 27.
  • Chair Yoga – Wednesdays at 2:30 pm. The September series meets from September 2 to 30, and the October series runs from October 7 to 28.
  • Classic Mat Pilates at Oyster Catcher – Mondays and Wednesdays at 8:30 am from September 21 to October 28.
Continue reading “Keep Up with the Lake House September 16”

Today is National Voter Registration Day

National Voter Registration Day
Tuesday, September 15, 2026

Are you new to South Carolina or have you been here a while and have not had a chance to register to vote?  Today is not the only day you can register, but Tuesday, September 15, is set aside to heighten awareness of voter registration.

Every year, millions of Americans find themselves unable to vote because they miss a registration deadline, don’t update their registration, or aren’t sure how to register. National Voter Registration Day seeks to create broad awareness of voter registration opportunities during a single 24-hour democracy blitz to reach tens of thousands of voters who may not register otherwise.

If you need to register, go to scvotes.gov to learn the options for voter registration and what you will need to bring with you. Registration closes 30 days before the election, which is November 3, so time is running out!

  • Voter Registration Deadline (in-person): Friday, October 2, 2026
  • Voter Registration Deadline (online): Sunday, October 4, 2026
  • Voter Registration Deadline (by mail) *must be postmarked by this date: Monday, October 5, 2026

–Tidelines Editors

(Image credit: nationalvoterregistrationday.org/)

Our Fire Department’s Many Programs

We would like to thank the men and women of the St. John’s Fire District (STJFD) for the work they do to make our lives safer. They not only respond to fires and medical emergencies but also actively support several proactive programs aimed at preventing these incidents. Below are some of these programs:

Citizen Safe Smoke Alarm Program

The STJFD offers complimentary 10-year lithium-ion smoke alarms to all residents. While many newer homes are equipped with hardwired smoke alarms, they do not provide these due to the variety of manufacturers. However, STJFD is committed to facilitating education and assistance for replacing hardwired smoke alarms. They can guide residents in understanding both new and existing smoke alarms to ensure early fire detection and enhance safety for timely escape.

Child Safety Seat Program

Vehicle crashes are among the top causes of injuries in children. The STJFD employs several certified Child Passenger Safety Seat Technicians who are trained in car seat installation and usage. These technicians are available to assist caregivers in selecting and properly installing child safety seats. They will educate caregivers on the most suitable seat for their child and provide guidance on how to install it independently in the future. To take advantage of this service, please schedule an appointment by calling 843-559-9194.

School Age Programs including National Fire Protection Association’s “Learn Not to Burn” and “Risk Watch”

Learn Not to Burn: This program is designed for preschool and elementary school children, teaching them essential fire safety lessons. It uses engaging materials, including stories, videos, and activities, to help children understand the importance of fire safety. 

Risk Watch: A comprehensive program aimed at educating children about various safety topics, including fire safety, personal safety, and emergency preparedness. It targets school-aged children and focuses on preventing injuries and accidents. 

These programs can be provided in schools or day-care settings.

Business Fire and Life Safety

STJFD can provide businesses with fire prevention knowledge and skills to prepare for a workplace fire or emergency.

Fire Extinguisher Training

They also provide fire extinguisher training to businesses or groups to ensure the correct use of fire extinguishers in the event of a small fire.

Emergency Planning for HOA/Community Groups

Similar to businesses, the STJFD engages with homeowners’ associations (HOAs) and community groups to address fire and life safety concerns. For instance, they recently met with residents who expressed concern about a neighbor who often fell while exiting the shower, leading to multiple responses from fire and EMS. In response, the STJFD installed a grab bar to provide the resident with a secure support while getting out of the shower.

As a community, we are most grateful for all of the services provided by the St. John’s Fire District.

You may contact them at (843) 559-9194 or stjfd.org.

–Tidelines Editors

(Image credit: SJFD)

TOSI Happenings for the Week of September 14


NEWS YOU CAN USE

Fall Shredding Event – The Town will host a shredding event on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at Town Hall.

TOSI’S New Emergency Alert System – The Town of Seabrook Island is switching to Everbridge, a mass notification system that delivers only critical, local emergency alerts. This system will be used exclusively for emergency notifications, including all alerts from the National Weather Service. To read more about it and to sign up, click here.

Beach Rules – Peak season beach rules are now in effect.

TOSI Monthly E-newsletter – To stay up to date with town communications, sign up for the e-newsletter by clicking here.

MEETINGS

To stay up to date on meeting dates and times, visit TOSI’s calendar located on its homepage.

Seabrook Island Utility Commission Meeting 
Wednesday, September 16 – 8:30 am
The agenda can be viewed by clicking here.

Planning Commission Meeting
Wednesday, September 16 – 1:30 pm
The agenda can be viewed by clicking here. Watch live on YouTube.

View the calendar of meetings beyond this week by visiting the home page of TownofSeabrookIsland.org.

Agendas will be posted at least 24 hours before each meeting. All videos can be found on the town’s YouTube channel. Individuals wishing to participate in the meeting via Zoom can call (843) 768-9121 or email pwiggins@townofseabrookisland.org for login information before the meeting.

-Submitted by the Town of Seabrook Island