Bill > H3557

This bill amends South Carolina election law by shortening the candidate filing period from March 16-30 to March 16-25, requiring all candidates from each political party to pay a filing fee starting July 1, 2026, and allowing political parties to charge a certification fee up to $100 for candidates seeking nomination through primary or convention. The bill modifies the process for filing statements of intention and party pledges, specifying different filing locations based on the office sought (statewide, congressional, district, state legislature, or county-level). Candidates must file a party pledge by noon on the specified date, pledging to affiliate with a specific party, abide by primary or convention results, and not seek alternative ballot access. The party pledge must be signed personally by the candidate in the presence of an authorized election commission official, and the bill maintains existing provisions that allow party chairs to seek injunctions against candidates who violate their pledge by running against the party's nominee in the general election. The bill will take effect upon the Governor's approval, potentially impacting candidate filing procedures and party nomination processes in South Carolina.

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https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=3557&session=126&summary=B