Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, when there is no known opposition to a candidate, and there appears to be no substantial reason for having a public hearing, and no request is made by at least ten members of the House of Representatives and five members of the Senate for a public hearing, the commission chairman upon recommendation of the commission may determine that a public hearing is unnecessary and shall not be held, but no election shall be held prior to this determination.
S.C. Code § 2-20-360