By admin 
An incumbent who has served for more than two decades is up against a local consultant in the race for South Carolina Secretary of State.
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There are no third party candidates, according to state Election Commission records. Election Day is Nov. 3. South Carolinians can vote early Oct. 19 through Oct. 31, Monday through Saturday.
Why is this race noteworthy?
The secretary of state is responsible for maintaining South Carolina’s business and nonprofit records. The office is up for election every four years.
Unlike in other states, the South Carolina secretary of state does not deal with election administration. It certifies electoral college votes, but a different state agency ensures elections run smoothly and handles voter rolls.
Who is the Democratic candidate?
Jason Belton is the Democratic nominee after he defeated a primary opponent in June. Belton is a business and nonprofit consultant.
Belton said the state has empowered large corporations more than small businesses and nonprofits, something he would like to change as secretary of state. If elected, he would audit the office and lobby lawmakers to pass legislation supporting small businesses and nonprofits.
“Businesses and nonprofits need an advocate,” Belton said. “As it comes to the General Assembly, there’s so many things that are happening that are plaguing business owners across the state.”
He also wants the office to have more oversight over the state Election Commission.
“Elections should be overseen by folks who are held accountable to the voters,” Belton said in an interview.
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Belton also said he wants to make the secretary of state’s office more accessible to rural counties. He said DMV offices could house representatives or kiosks with information for businesses or nonprofits. Belton also wants to help South Carolina business owners learn more about artificial intelligence.
Who is the Republican candidate?
Mark Hammond was first elected to serve as secretary of state in 2002, and he is campaigning for a seventh term.
Hammond said during his tenure the office has been “business-friendly.” Online options have allowed businesses to file and receive articles of incorporation with the state quickly, he said.
“It’s a very accessible office, and again, customer-friendly and business-friendly, and we’re going to continue to do everything we can to be able to provide excellent service to South Carolinians as well as anyone that wants to do business in South Carolina,” Hammond said in an interview.
Hammond also said the office has seen increased nonprofit registration and enforced the state’s solicitation of charitable donations law.
“I want to work with the nonprofit community, but yet I also want to make sure that we protect our charitable donors, and no one takes advantage of our generosity,” Hammond said.
Using technology in the office will also be a focus for Hammond if he is reelected. Hammond said the secretary of state’s office posts business filings online, runs an app allowing South Carolinians to access information about charities and report bad actors and plans to launch an artificial intelligence tool that can answer questions about incorporation.
The secretary of state’s office also recently began using ID proofing for individuals filing paperwork, he said, which helps verify an identity.
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