Civic Engagement

Legislation, Voting, and Elections

Real change doesn’t come from the top down. It starts with everyday people showing up, speaking out, and holding power accountable. When more of us participate in the democratic process, our communities become stronger, fairer, and more reflective of the people who live in them. We can shape the future we all deserve.

These links help you keep an eye on new legislation, check your voter registration, prepare to cast your ballot, and more.

SC Legislature

Find information about the South Carolina General Assembly at SCstatehouse.gov, including legislation, committees, journals, calendars, and more. Watch live broadcasts of Senate and House sessions and subcommittees.

SC Legislature App

Follow legislation, activity and the members of the South Carolina General Assembly. Find your own state Senator and House Rep. Watch livestream and recorded videos of legislative sessions and discussion of bills, and get alerts when bills you follow have activity. Click here to download.

SC Election Commission

Everything you need to know about voting in South Carolina is at scVOTES.gov, no matter where in S.C. you live.

Your Elected Officials

You don’t have to be a political expert to make your voice matter — you just need to know who represents you and how to reach them. Whether it’s your city council member, your state senator, or your member of Congress, these officials work for you.

IUSC will also provide advocacy forms to connect you straight to your representative with a sample script already included. Join our email list to receive calls to action that include these forms.

Federal

Each resident in SC has three elected officials who represent them directly at the federal level. These officials are members of SC’s congressional delegation:

  • Both current members of the US Senate; and
  • One member of the US House of Representatives who represents the district you live in.
BEST WAY TO CONNECT

The 5Calls app keeps you up-to-date on the issues that matter and gives you a direct line to elected leaders in DC. Pick an issue you care about, get a synopsis and a calling script, then click to call your Senators and US House Representatives one after the other. Learn more and download at 5calls.org

State

Each resident in SC has two elected officials (find their names via this search: https://www.scstatehouse.gov/legislatorssearch.php) who represent them directly at the state level:

  • SC State Senate
  • SC House of Representatives
BEST WAY TO CONNECT

Phone calls are always the most effective means of communication with your representatives. On the state and local level, many leaders are also very responsive to personal emails.

County/City

Each resident in SC has at least one elected official who represents them on their county council. Each resident who lives within the boundaries of a city also has at least one elected official who represents them.

Upstate Forever has compiled a great resource to help residents identify local county and city elected officials:
Abbeville | Anderson | Cherokee | Greenville | Greenwood | Laurens | Oconee | Pickens | Spartanburg | Union

BEST WAY TO CONNECT

Phone calls are always the most effective means of communication with your representatives. On the state and local level, many leaders are also very responsive to personal emails.

Pro-Democracy Parties Active in Upstate SC

Democracy works best when more voices are heard, and that starts with knowing who’s fighting for the values you care about. While the Democratic Party remains this primary force in the Upstate, smaller parties are working to gain traction, especially among younger and independent-minded voters seeking alternatives to the status quo.

SC Democratic Party

Visit SCDP.org to learn more about issues, party leadership, events, how to run for office, volunteer in various capacities, and even party merch so you can be a visible blue dot, one of many, in the sea of red around us.

Upstate SC County Democratic Party sites

 

Other Parties

IUSC collaborates with smaller pro-democracy parties that share our commitment to equity, accountability, and grassroots power. Learn more about their platforms via the links below.