The bill H. 3396 aims to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws regarding voting in partisan primary elections and advisory referendums. It establishes that only individuals registered as members of a certified political party or as independents may vote in these elections. Specifically, it introduces a new section, 7-5-115, which stipulates that independent voters can participate in a party's primary but will be considered registered members of that party for two years after voting. Additionally, the bill amends existing sections to require voters to state their political party affiliation on registration forms and outlines the process for changing party affiliation.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that the State Election Commission assist in maintaining a list of voters by party affiliation and ensures that voters are informed of the new procedures before the first primary election under these provisions. It also includes a provision that allows voters to change their party affiliation up to sixty days before a primary election. Importantly, the bill specifies that for all primaries conducted before June 2026, voters are permitted to participate even if they have not signed the required affidavit, with full enforcement of the new rules commencing after May 31, 2026.

Statutes affected:
12/05/2024: 7-5-115, 7-5-110, 7-5-170, 7-9-20
Latest Version: 7-5-115, 7-5-110, 7-5-170, 7-9-20
12/06/2024: 7-5-115, 7-5-110, 7-5-170, 7-9-20