There’s the smell of greatness in the air. In a political climate that has grown increasingly uncomfortable, confusing, and downright foolish at times; it has also sparked a fire for many local influencers throughout the country, to take the reigns and make a difference in their communities. There has been an increasing trend of young, passionate men and women who are taking the dive into the fiery pits of politics. Politics, while being such a broad term, can also represent a world-wind of unexpected responsibilities that never ends, never sleeps, and never let’s you forget! Although politics can be scary and uncertain, its great to see new, fresh, budding faces ready to jump in and represent their districts and communities.
While the candidates deal with the stress and excitement of running a political campaign, voters have a responsibility too. Yes, most of us make it out to the polls to vote for President, but we have an additional and more important responsibility of not forgetting about Special Elections. These elections are vital to what is happening day-to-day within our own communities. Putting the right (or wrong) people in state/county/federal seats can have long-lasting, detrimental outcomes; or, it can set your community on a path to hope and prosperity. According to some political consultants, Special Elections are merely “turnout drills” that end with low voter turnout. However, ladies and gentlemen – THIS IS NOT A DRILL, I REPEAT, THIS IS NOT A DRILL! Every election from now on is an important election, and this is what we must drill into the heads of everyone within the voting community. Putting the right people in place now and allowing them to climb the political mountain of politics is vital for our communities, and we must get serious about voting in ALL elections.
For example, did you know that there is a Special Legislative Election happening for S.C. House District 113. Seth Whipper, who was elected in 1995, recently resigned and left a democratic vacancy that needs to be filled. Three democratic candidates are vying for this seat: Angela Hanyak, Pastor Chris Collins, and Atty Marvin Pendarvis.
Hanyak, according to her supporters, is predicted to be the spoiler in this race. A marketing professional, she has been active in politics for a number of years. Rumored to be running a highly aggressive grass roots campaign, Hanyak was the recent organizer of a forum about women in politics, and she seems to have the Park Circle community in Charleston, SC backing her run for the vacant seat. With her support of women and women’s issues, and her local connections and marketing background, Hanyak has put herself in a great position to run a strong race.
Pendarvis, an attorney, has also hit the ground running with an aggressive grass roots campaign. Pendarvis has been active within the local community and has been a consultant, attorney and friend regarding many of the social issues and concerns within some of the more populated African American districts. Backed by S.C. Senator Marlon Kimpson, along with his connections within the African American community, this Carolina Gamecock has strategically positioned himself as a strong, vibrant, fresh candidate for the vacant seat.
Collins, who is no stranger to politics, is a current board member for the, sometimes controversial, Charleston County School District. In 2011 and 2015, Collins ran for Mayor of North Charleston, but was defeated by long-standing Mayor Keith Summey. Collins is a seasoned politician and knows what it will take to run a political race. He also has major support from the religious, African American voters within his community, which will give him a leg-up in this race, IF these constituents show up to the polls.
Two GOP candidates are also running for this seat, Rouzy Vafaie and Theron Sandy. Many believe the GOP doesn’t stand a chance of winning a local election in this district, but history has already shown us that anything can happen.
Another interesting fact about his election and District 113 is that its black voting age population (or BVAP) is 52 percent. However, with the influx of new residents, these numbers are slowly changing everyday.
Every element of this election, from the diverse candidates, to the diverse district, makes this a race that no one can predict right now – which makes it exciting. Your only job today, as a voter, is to consider what is most important in your community and surrounding areas, and who is the person you believe will make the biggest, most positive impact ? Voting day is September 5th, let’s turn out!
Syllabus Magazine, the Carolina’s source for Music, Culture and Fashion
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