The bill H. 3318 proposes an amendment to Section 7-13-190 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, specifically addressing the process for special elections to fill vacancies in office. The key change introduced by this bill is the elimination of runoff elections for special primary elections. Under the current law, a primary election is held on the eleventh Tuesday after a vacancy occurs, followed by a runoff primary on the thirteenth Tuesday. The new language stipulates that the candidate receiving the most votes in the primary will be named the party's nominee without the need for a runoff.

Additionally, the bill outlines the timeline for filing candidacies and the scheduling of the special election, which must occur on the twentieth Tuesday after the vacancy. If this date falls within sixty days of the general election, the special election will coincide with the general election. The bill is set to take effect upon approval by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
12/05/2024: 7-13-190
Latest Version: 7-13-190
12/06/2024: 7-13-190