In the News – Tidelines

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 ballot 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)

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)

The Seabrooker

The September 2026 edition of The Seabrooker can be accessed online through the Town of Seabrook Island’s website.

Click here and select the September 2026 link.

–Tidelines Editors

Free Tax Prep Program Seeks Local Volunteers

VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) is an IRS program that provides free tax preparation assistance to seniors and low-to moderate-income taxpayers. VITA volunteers help taxpayers receive the credits and deductions they’ve earned.

Volunteers of all backgrounds and ages are welcome and are needed to serve clients in the Charleston area, including Johns and James Islands, with basic tax returns. No prior tax preparation experience is needed, and being comfortable operating a laptop computer is helpful. Tax counselors receive extensive free tax training and will become familiar with IRS/SC tax rules and regulations. The key to providing this service is local volunteers who are willing to help out.

Tax counselors are expected to be available at least four hours one day per week from mid-February through April 2027. The reality is that many people travel, so schedule adjustments can be made. It’s a great way to learn new skills, assist in helping others, and become more involved in your community.

Please consider joining the local volunteer team! Contact the Lowcountry VITA Recruitment Coordinator, Anne Woods, at (602) 785-1836 or email annwoodsaz@gmail.com for more information.

To learn about the VITA Program, click here.

–Tidelines Editors

(Image Credit: IRS VITA Program)

Main Road Segment A Update

The Johns Island Advocate reports that Charleston County is still on track to open the Main-River-Chisolm roundabout and “Ramp 3” by the end of this year. As shown in the graphic above, Ramp 3 is one of the new ramps that will connect Main Rd with US-17. One of the reasons for opening Ramp 3 is to facilitate the construction of the Main Rd/US-17 flyover bridge.

Temporary Traffic Routing:

During construction of the flyover bridge, access to Main Rd will need to be rerouted away from the current intersection. The preliminary concept to accomplish this is to temporarily allow Ramp 3 to handle two-way traffic (all ramps will eventually only handle one-way traffic) between Charleston and Johns Island and to add a temporary road to handle the traffic between Hollywood/Ravenel and Johns Island. This is shown in the graphic below. There are still a lot of details and SCDOT approvals that need to be worked out.

No definitive date has been given for the rerouting, but be alert that you may be directed to go on another road.

To see the Charleston County quarterly update presentation on the Main Road Corridor Segment A project, click here.

–Tidelines Editors

(Image credits: Johns Island Advocate)

How to Spot a Scam Before It Spots You

We live in a world where staying connected to family, friends, and the news is easier than ever. Unfortunately, that same technology also gives scammers a direct line into our living rooms and pockets. It is completely normal to feel overwhelmed by the constant barrage of strange phone calls, urgent text messages, and tricky emails. The good news is that by learning just a few common behavioral patterns, you can confidently protect yourself from robocalls, fake text alerts, and deceptive emails.

Results: U.S. Senate Special Republican Primary Election

The U.S. Senate Special Republican Party Primary Runoff occurred yesterday, Tuesday, August 25, 2026.

The Lake House polling location closed promptly at 7:00 pm. There were 394 people who voted in person at the Lake House.

Below is a summary of the race. The numbers reflect only those who voted in person today at the Lake House. Absentee ballots and in-person ballots are not included in this summary.

Darline Graham – 222 votes

Ralph Norman – 171 votes

Undervote – 1 vote

The results are also listed on the Lake House front door.

-Tidelines Editors

(Image credit: Pinterest)

U.S. Senate Special Republican Primary Runoff August 25

The U.S. Senate Special Republican Party Primary Runoff is on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.

Voters who participated in the June Democratic Primary are not eligible to vote in the August 25 Special Republican Primary Runoff. Voters who participated in the June Republican Primary, or who did not vote in either party’s June primary, are eligible to vote in the August 25 Special Republican Primary Runoff.

The following people are running in this special election for U.S. Senate:

Darline Graham (Republican)
Ralph Norman (Republican)

For more information about voting, go to MyscVOTES.

Please note that the Live Oak Hall classes at the Lake House will be canceled Tuesday, August 25.

–Tidelines Editors

(Image credit: Pinterest)

Quarterly Update on Main Road Segment A

Charleston County will hold a meeting on Tuesday, August 25 at 6:30 pm to provide updates on the Main Road Corridor Segment A project, aka Main and 17 Flyover.

The meeting will be held at St John’s High School, 1518 Main Road.

Please attend and come prepared to listen and ask questions. See you there.

-Submitted by The Johns Island Advocate

(Image credit: The Johns Island Advocate)

Update on Captain Sams Spit

Permanent protection of Captain Sams Spit moved a major step closer Tuesday, August 11, when the South Carolina General Assembly approved funding for the state’s $32 million share of a $37 million settlement agreement that would preserve the property in its natural state and end nearly two decades of litigation over its future.

The $37 million settlement would be funded by $32 million from the State of South Carolina, $3.7 million from the Town of Kiawah Island and $1.3 million from Conservancy of the Sea Islands.

The agreement secures the Spit as a permanently protected landscape, prohibiting development and restricting significant human impacts to a critical wildlife habitat.

Results: U.S. Senate Republican Special Primary Election

The Lake House polling location closed promptly at 7:00 pm tonight. There were 357 people who voted in person today at the Lake House.

Special thanks to all the poll workers for their vital role in ensuring a safe and secure election. In addition to participating in training before the election, they arrived at the Lake House at 6:00 am on Election Day to set up and stayed until past 7:00 pm to put everything away. Thank you for your service!

Below is a summary of the race. The numbers reflect only those who voted in person today at the Lake House. Absentee ballots and in-person ballots are not included in this summary.

Duke Buckner – 0

Danny Ford II – 0

Russell Fry – 40

Darline Graham – 138

Mark Lynch – 10

Mark McBride – 2

Ralph Norman – 61

Glenda Gail Parker – 0

Mark Sanford – 105

Samuel Sam Shepherd – 1

The results are also listed on the Lake House front door.

-Tidelines Editors

(Image credit: Pinterest)