NORWAY, South Carolina — The City of Norway is proposing to change its method of electing council members from “single-member voting districts” to “general voting.” The city has operated under single-member electoral districts for 30 years.

“This method does not work for the city of Norway. It may have worked in the 80s, 90s, early 2000s, but right now in 2022 it’s not working,” Mayor Tracie Clemons said.

Clemons says this call for change comes as there have been challenges both in filling council seats and people resigning their positions prematurely.

“It could be for health issues. Whatever the reason, they don’t stay, so when you stay on the board for two to three months, you’re not even two-thirds through your term, which is four years,” she said.

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Clemons says this new form of government would allow for broader community representation so residents can call on any member of council to address their concerns. She says this upcoming special election in September is the city’s third special election in three years.

Each time, it costs the city up to $1,000.

However, she says community members can play a role in helping change that.

“If the citizen is for moving from single-member districts to general elections, go to the polls, vote and make your voice heard,” Clemons said, “if a citizen is against, again, go to the polls, vote and make your voice heard your voice.”

According to Mayor Clemons, this ordinance must have two readings by the Orangeburg County Board of Elections to be approved. If approved, residents will vote on this change on September 13.

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