Rock Hill, October 7, 2025
News Summary
Rock Hill is set to hold its municipal election on November 4, coordinating with York County for the first time in decades. This change aims to enhance voter participation and reduce costs by streamlining registration and voting processes. Current Mayor John Gettys is running uncontested for reelection after his challenger withdrew, while longtime City Councilman Jim Reno will not seek reelection, opening opportunities for new candidates. Early voting will occur from October 20 to October 31 to facilitate access for residents.
Rock Hill will conduct its municipal election on Tuesday, November 4, aligning with the rest of York County for the first time in decades. This significant change is aimed at promoting increased voter participation and achieving cost savings through shared resources among municipalities.
The decision to transition voter registration and early voting schedules to November was prompted by the South Carolina General Assembly’s push to standardize election dates. Additionally, the York County elections department faced logistical challenges that necessitated this move. By consolidating the election date, officials hope to simplify the voting process for residents and mitigate voter confusion that previously arose from overlapping elections.
Early voting will take place from October 20 through October 31 at four locations across Rock Hill, making it accessible to all residents. On Election Day, polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and voters will need to cast their ballots at their designated precinct polling locations.
In this year’s election, the current Mayor, John Gettys, who is a two-term incumbent, is running for reelection. He will face no challengers in this election after his rival, William “Bump” Roddey, withdrew from the race. Gettys has previously won against Roddey in elections, including a runoff election in 2017 and a decisive victory in 2021. During his campaign, Gettys has prioritized addressing the poverty rate in Rock Hill while also focusing on attracting higher-paying jobs to improve the local economy.
Roddey, who was expected to challenge Gettys, had expressed concerns over rising utility costs and emphasized the potential use of tourism revenue to benefit the community. However, with his withdrawal, Gettys will face an uncontested election for the mayoral position.
In addition to the mayoral race, longtime Rock Hill City Councilman Jim Reno, who has served for nearly 30 years, will not seek reelection. The absence of his candidacy opens up the field for new candidates in upcoming local elections.
Historically, the October elections have created confusion among voters and logistical challenges for election officials, particularly when overlapping with national and state races. Despite York County achieving over 79% voter turnout during the November 2024 elections, local turnout typically falls short compared to national averages. By moving the municipal election to November, city officials hope to increase engagement and broaden voter participation among Rock Hill’s residents.
Potential candidates for local elections must file their nominations by August 21. In the most recent filing period, over 60 candidates expressed interest, although several withdrew before officially finalizing their bids. As such, the outcomes of the municipal election may significantly influence the dynamics of local governance and community engagement in Rock Hill.
Key Details of the Upcoming Election
- Election Date: November 4
- Early Voting: October 20 – October 31
- Polling Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Current Mayor: John Gettys (no challengers)
- City Councilman: Jim Reno not seeking reelection
- Voter Turnout Target: Improved local participation
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When is the municipal election in Rock Hill?
Rock Hill will conduct its municipal election on Tuesday, November 4.
What are the early voting dates?
Early voting will occur from October 20 through October 31.
What are the polling hours on Election Day?
On Election Day, polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Who is running for mayor?
Current Mayor John Gettys is running for reelection and will face no challengers.
Is there a change in the election schedule?
Yes, Rock Hill’s municipal election will align with York County’s November election for the first time in decades.
Comparison of Previous and Upcoming Elections
| Feature | October Elections (previous) | November Elections (upcoming) |
|---|---|---|
| Voter Registration | October dates | November dates |
| Early Voting Period | Limited availability | October 20 – October 31 |
| Polling Hours | Varied | 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. |
| Voter Turnout | Lower local turnout | Expected increase |
| Mayoral Race | Contested | Uncontested (John Gettys) |
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Rock Hill Local Election Day
- Wikipedia: Election
- Herald Online: Local News
- Google Search: Rock Hill elections
- SC Daily Gazette: State Senator Launches Bid
- Google Scholar: Rock Hill elections
- Herald Online: Politics and Government News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Election
- Post and Courier: York County 2025 Municipal Election Candidates
- Google News: York County elections
Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL
The ROCK HILL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERockHill.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Rock Hill, York County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Come-See-Me Festival, Rock Hill Arts Festival, and motorsport events at the Rock Hill Velodrome. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Rock Hill Chamber of Commerce and the Culture & Heritage Museums, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and technology that power the local economy such as 3D Systems and Comporium. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
