The Municipal Election Handbook is provided courtesy of the Municipal Association of South Carolina. For bound copies, contact the Municipal Association.
Municipal Election Commission Training & Certification
The State Election Commission (SEC) provides training to municipal clerks and election commissioners as required under S.C. Code of Laws §5-15-90:
"(B)(1) Each municipal election commissioner and each staff person designated by the commission, shall complete, within eighteen months after a commissioner's initial appointment or his reappointment after a break in service, or within eighteen months after a staff person's initial employment or reemployment following a break in service..."
Certification is granted upon the completion of three courses:
1. Online Poll Manager Training
This course provides useful information and tips to aid in the preparation for an election. Members must score a 90% or above in order to obtain credit and it is incumbent upon each county office to let the training department know when a member successfully completes the class. Please remember that you can only receive a one-time credit for taking this course unless the training has been changed/modified.
2. Online Duties of the Municipal Election Commission (MEC)
The appointment as a MEC member is a respected position with specific responsibilities. This course will provide you with the information to prepare for and conduct a quality election for the voters in your municipality. Members must score a 90% or above to obtain credit and it is incumbent upon each county office to let the training department know when a member successfully completes the class. Please remember that you can only receive a one-time credit for taking this course unless the training has been changed/modified.
3. Online MEC Protest Hearings
In this training, Municipal Election Commissioners learn about the canvass and certification process and how the protest schedules affect that process. Next, they learn about filing, preparing for, and hearing a protest. Finally, they learn about testimony and evidence, the appeals process, and how a court reaches a final decision. After completing this program, Municipal Election Commissioners should be prepared to handle the tasks and situations that occur throughout the protest hearing process. Members must score a 90% or above to obtain credit and it is incumbent upon each county office to let the training department know when a member successfully completes the class. Please remember that you can only receive a one-time credit for taking this course unless the training has been changed/modified.
Sign up for online classes
First, the municipal clerk contacts the SEC to request access. The clerk will be provided with user names and passwords for all participants in the municipality. There is no charge for online courses.
Users can access the training here.
State Election Commission
P.O. Box, 5987
Columbia, SC 29250
Fax: (803) 734-9366