NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. (WJBF) — North Augusta may move its city elections to November to save money and get more people voting. City leaders say spring elections are expensive and turnout is low. November elections could fix both.
"We had about 15% voter turnout this last year, which is abysmal," North Augusta City Councilman Dennis Briatico said. "We want to give everybody the opportunity to vote."
City elections are currently in April, off the federal cycle. That costs the city roughly $10–14,000 each election — just for staffing and administration. An extra $14,000 may be needed for runoffs.
"We could use that in many other places, like for the animal shelter or for a senior center possibly. Or for more scholarships for kids to play sports through the rec center."
Low turnout is tied t