Bill > H5183

This bill, titled "Closed primaries," proposes significant changes to South Carolina's election laws, primarily aiming to restrict who can vote in partisan primary elections and partisan advisory referendums. Starting January 1, 2027, individuals will generally only be allowed to vote in a primary election or referendum of a political party if they are registered as a member of that specific party, unless that party formally opts to allow independent voters (those not affiliated with any party) to participate with advance notice to the State Election Commission. The bill mandates that voter registration forms will now require individuals to declare their political party affiliation, or to register as an independent, and this choice will be recorded by the State Election Commission. It also outlines procedures for changing party affiliation or opting out of affiliation, requiring an affidavit to be signed at least thirty days before a primary. The State Election Commission will be responsible for assisting county election officials in capturing and maintaining this party affiliation data. Importantly, the bill includes a transition period, allowing voters to cast ballots in primaries held before January 1, 2027, by signing an affidavit affirming their party membership or independent status at the polling place, with full implementation of the new requirements taking effect after that date.

Justice

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=5183&session=126&summary=B