Charleston County Sales Tax Referendum not approved

CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) – Charleston County voters did not approve the transportation sales tax referendum during Tuesday’s election.

A majority of residents voted no on the ballot questions, meaning the sales tax will not be renewed this year.

Unofficial results from the South Carolina Election Commission show nearly 60 percent of voters opposed the half-cent sales tax. Precincts across the county rejected the referendum – and for those in opposition, this is a big win.

“I’m pretty excited, I can’t lie. It’s hard to do something for so long and think you’re getting through to people and you think that it’s logical and get it. But you don’t know until tonight and to see what hard work we’ve done, grassroots people who are fighting for causes that we believe in for the people – and to see it work, it’s invigorating,” said Herbert Adam Friend, Woodland Shores Coalition founder.

For those in favor, with no wins, their transportation projects including the Mark Clark Expressway extension will need to be reworked.

“Tonight’s result unfortunately means this county will continue to face challenges when it comes to enhancing safety and fixing Charleston’s gridlock. At this time, there’s no guaranteed funding for the projects included in the referendum or to improve major intersections, fund mass transit projects and preserve green space,” said Keith Summey, former mayor of North Charleston/Citizens for Safe Roads.

Charleston County Council is expected to meet again to rewrite a new referendum in the next couple of years, which advocates hope will bring transparency and teamwork.