Bill > S0113

This bill modifies South Carolina's election laws to require voters to register as a member of a specific political party in order to vote in that party's primary election or partisan advisory referendum. Under the new provisions, voters must explicitly choose to register with a certified political party or remain an independent voter when registering or voting. The bill establishes that an elector can only vote in the primary of the political party they are registered with, unless that party specifically decides to allow independent voters to participate. From June 1, 2028, forward, all primary elections must strictly follow these new party registration rules, with a transition period allowing more flexible voting until that date. The State Election Commission and county boards of voter registration are tasked with helping implement these changes, including updating voter registration forms to include party affiliation options and informing voters about the new procedures. Political parties retain the ability to add additional membership qualifications, as long as those qualifications do not conflict with state or federal laws. Voters will be required to sign an affidavit confirming their party membership or independent status when voting in a primary election, and failure to do so will prevent them from participating in that election.

Justice

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=113&session=126&summary=B