Filing begins Sunday for many open seats

AIKEN --- Voters will go the polls this fall to choose among dozens of elected positions that are up for grabs this year.

The candidates start joining the races at noon Sunday.

The ballot this year will feature federal, state and local contests, with more than half the open seats affecting Aiken County positions.

They range from the sheriff to county council to water and sewer commissions.

Filing ends at noon March 30. Candidates file with their parties.

One race already will see something that has not been witnessed in nearly two decades: Incumbent Solicitor Barbara Morgan's name absent from the ballot.

Ms. Morgan, who has been the 2nd Judicial Circuit's lead prosecutor since 1990, has announced that she will not be running this year to retain her seat.

Attorney Strom Thurmond Jr. has said he plans to campaign to replace her.

Although a special election was held just last year to replace former state Sen. Tommy Moore -- who resigned in the midst of his term -- his seat will be back on the ballot.

Shane Massey, who beat out Democratic rival Rep. Bill Clyburn in the election, said he intends to run again, this time for a four-year term.

Longtime state Rep. Skipper Perry has also announced he's stepping down, and several candidates have already lined up to try to take his place, including county Councilman Scott Singer.

Mr. Singer's council seat is not up for election this year. If he wins the election, his position would then need to be filled.

Reach Sandi Martin at (803) 648-1395, ext. 111, or sandi.martin@augustachronicle.com.