summary
Introduced
01/14/2025
01/14/2025
In Committee
01/14/2025
01/14/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
126th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amend The South Carolina Code Of Laws By Adding Section 7-13-42 So As To Provide That The Candidate Who Receives The Largest Number Of Votes Cast For A Given Office In The Primary Of A Political Party Is Considered Nominated; By Amending Sections 7-5-150 And 7-5-220, Both Relating To The Voter Registration Deadline Preceding An Election, Both So As To Remove References To Runoff Elections; By Amending Section 7-11-55, Relating To Special Primary Elections To Replace A Party Nominee, So As To Make Conforming Changes; By Amending Sections 7-13-25, 7-13-40, And 7-13-190, Relating To Early Voting, The Date Of Primary Party Elections, And Special Elections To Fill Vacancies In Office, Respectively, All So As To Make Conforming Changes; By Amending Section 7-17-280, Relating To Mandatory Recounts, So As To Make Conforming Changes; By Amending Section 7-17-510, Relating To Canvass And Certification Of Primary Results, So As To Make Conforming Changes; By Repealing Sections 7-13-50, 7-17-600, And 7-17-610 Relating To Second Primaries Or Runoffs, The Requirement That A Candidate Receive A Majority Of Votes Cast In A First Primary To Be Declared Nominated, And Methods Of Determining What Constitutes A Majority Vote For A Particular Office, Respectively.
AI Summary
This bill eliminates runoff elections in South Carolina primary elections by changing state election law to declare the candidate who receives the largest number of votes in a primary as the nominee, even if they do not receive a majority of votes. The bill amends multiple sections of the South Carolina Code to remove references to runoff elections, including changes to voter registration deadlines, primary election procedures, and certification processes. Specifically, the bill adds a new provision stating that the candidate with the most votes in a primary is considered nominated, repeals existing laws about second primaries and majority vote requirements, and makes conforming changes across various sections of election law. These changes mean that in future primary elections, a candidate can win a nomination with a plurality of votes (the most votes, but not necessarily over 50%) rather than being required to secure a majority through a runoff election. The bill is set to take effect after gubernatorial approval and will apply to all primary elections conducted after March 31, 2026, giving election officials and political parties time to adjust to the new system.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (4)
Last Action
Member(s) request name added as sponsor: Guest, Crawford (on 02/26/2025)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=3552&session=126&summary=B |
| BillText | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/prever/3552_20241205.htm |
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