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Irmo announces Juneteenth celebration, summer programs and community events; residents raise voting-precinct concerns
Summary
Councilor Waldman outlined Juneteenth and other community events and programs. During public comment residents asked why some Irmo-addressed voters cannot vote in town elections and requested the town pursue expanded voting precinct access.
Councilor Waldman used the meeting’s “Community Connections” segment to summarize upcoming public events and programs and to inform residents about free or reduced-cost opportunities available this summer.
Waldman said the fifth annual Juneteenth celebration will be held Thursday, June 19, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Moore Park’s Prisma Health Amphitheater, with a food drive at Macedonia Baptist Church from 4 to 6 p.m. She also noted free admission for South Carolina residents to the Columbia Museum of Art through Labor Day (closed Mondays) and a Senior Farmers Market coupon program for qualifying residents age 60 and older. Other items included Riverbanks Zoo ticket promotions through August 12 tied to food donations, a free summer camp sponsored by Young’s Chapel AME Church for rising 4K–2nd graders, story time events with the mayor, and the town’s summer reading program.
Waldman said the town will host a family-friendly laser light show on July 4 from 7 to 10 p.m. at Moore Park with complimentary hot dogs while supplies last and Kona Ice for sale. The events committee brought the laser-show vendor recommendation to council for approval.
During the comments-for-citizens section, Marion Boyd Sr., who identified himself with an Irmo address, asked the council why the voting precinct is not extended to residents who live outside town limits but retain an Irmo mailing address (zip code 29063). Boyd said many longtime residents with Irmo addresses feel they lack a voice in town elections and asked what the council is doing to address voter registration boundaries. He said, in part, "I just want to know why the the voting precinct is not extended only to the city limits of Irmo." The mayor acknowledged the concern and said jurisdictional and registration questions may be beyond town authority but that staff are working on understanding options.
Another resident, Jerry Gallahar of Muscat Run, thanked the council for the Water Walk presentation and asked for more frequent and comprehensive updates as the project advances to give neighbors a clearer picture of progress and impacts. Town staff responded that they would keep neighbors informed as reports and plans become available.
Council members encouraged public participation in events and noted vendors and community partners benefit from town programming.
