Town of Blythewood Referendum
The Town of Blythewood s next election is a special election being held on Tuesday, July 29th. This is a referendum to choose if the present form of government should be changed or not. The question on your ballot will read:Shall the Town of Blythewood change its form of government from Mayor-Council form to the Council-Manager form?A YES vote indicates the form of government for the town of Blythewood should be changed to the Council-Manager form of government.A NO vote indicates the current Mayor-Council form of government should stay in place. The key responsibilities of the council and mayor in each form of government are found below; descriptions are from the Municipal Association of South Carolina: 1 - Mayor-Council Form of Government - also known as the strong mayor formThe councilhas four or more councilmembers, plus the mayor.holds all legislative and policy power.can hire an administrator to assist the mayor in his office. appoints the municipal clerk, attorney and judge.adopts a balanced budget, which is prepared for council by the mayor.The mayorserves as chief executive officer, supervising departments, as well as appointing and removing employees in accordance with personnel rules adopted by council.votes as a member of council and presides over council meetings.prepares and submits the budget and capital program to council, and makes the annual financial report to the public and to council.2 - Council-Manager Form of Government The councilhas either four, six or eight councilmembers, plus the mayor.holds all legislative and policy power.employs a manager, attorney and judge.adopts a balanced budget, which is prepared for council by the manager.The mayorhas no additional power compared to other councilmembers.has no administrative responsibilities.presides at council meetings by tradition, not statutory authority.may exercise informal authority as leader of council and staff as spokesperson for the council.The managerserves as chief executive officer and head of the administrative branch, appointing and removing employees, including the clerk, and setting salaries.prepares and administers the annual budget and makes financial reports.advises council on departments and appointments.Election Information:EARLY VOTING: If you prefer to vote prior to July 29th, you can vote during a two-week early voting period beginning Monday, July 14, 2025 and ending Friday, July 25, 2025 from 8:30 to 5:00 at the Richland County Voter Registration and Elections Office at 2020 Hampton Street, Columbia, SC 29204.ABSENTEE VOTING: Or you may be eligible to vote absentee by mail. For details on eligibility and how to submit your request, see this SC Election Commission Voting Absentee page: https://www.scvotes.gov/absentee-voting
