Run for County Coroner//Medical Examiner in Berkeley County, SC

No person may be popularly elected to and serve in any office in the State unless he is registered to vote in the geographical area represented by the office (S.C. Constitution, Article VI, Section 1). A person convicted of a felony or an offense against the election laws is not qualified to file for or hold office, unless it has been fifteen years since the completion of the sentence for the crime or unless the person has been pardoned (S.C. Constitution, Article VI, Section 1). Candidate's qualifications for all offices, are determined at the time of the election and not at the time of filing or nomination. Some individuals may be restricted from running for public office by the federal Hatch Act. The Act applies to federal employees and others receiving federal funds and restricts their participation in campaigns for partisan offices. For detailed information regarding the Hatch Act, visit the website of the U.S. Office of Special Counsel. Candidates must be 21 years old, a US citizen and have been a resident of the county for at least 1 year immediately preceding the election. Candidates for coroner must also meet the following qualifications (S.C. Code of Laws 17-5-130): Must have a high school diploma or equivalent recognized by the State Department of Education. Must not have been convicted of a felony offense or an offense involving moral turpitude contrary to the laws of this State, another state, or the United States. Must have one of the following combinations of education and experience: 3 years experience in death investigation with a law enforcement agency, coroner, or medical examiner agency; or 2 year associate degree and 2 years experience in death investigation with a law enforcement agency, coroner, or medical examiner agency; or 4 year baccalaureate degree and 1 year experience in death investigation with a law enforcement agency, coroner, or medical examiner agency; or be a law enforcement officer, as defined by S.C. Code of Laws 23-23-10(E)(1), certified by the S.C. Law Enforcement Training Council with a minimum of 2 years of experience; or be a licensed private investigator with a minimum of 2 years of experience; or have completed a recognized forensic science degree or certification program or be enrolled in a recognized forensic science degree or certification program to be completed within 1 year of being elected to the office of coroner.