New Group Aiken2025 Forms To Help Inform Voters About City Council Elections

Twenty local citizens have started Aiken2025, a new push to boost voter knowledge about four open city council spots this fall. The openings span Districts 2, 4, 5, and 6.

"It's soul focus is to energize and educate the Aiken citizens on these elections," said Jude Byrnes, a member of Aiken2025, to the Aiken Standard. "We're totally non-partisan. I mean, I don't even know what anybody's stance is. It's really just an educational platform."

The seats at stake include District 2's spot currently held by Democrat Lessie Price, District 4's Ed Girardeau, District 5's Andrea Gregory, and District 6's Ed Woltz, with the last three being Republicans.

The group crafted six guiding principles for candidates to endorse. They want a city ethics code, more public voices in big choices, smart growth plans, protection of city charm, better council talks, and stronger bonds with county leaders.

They'll quiz both new faces and those seeking reelection about their views. All responses will go straight to their website for public review. 

Candidate filing for partisan elections will open on July 7 and close on July 14. If needed, primary elections will be held on Aug. 12, followed by runoff elections on Aug. 26.

Voters pick their final choices on Nov. 4. The winners will be sworn in on Nov. 24.