The bill H. 3557 proposes amendments to the South Carolina Code of Laws regarding the qualifications and procedures for candidates running in general elections. It seeks to shorten the candidate filing period, requiring all candidates from each political party to pay a filing fee starting July 1, 2026, regardless of whether their party conducts a primary election. Additionally, political parties are authorized to charge a certification fee of up to one hundred dollars to candidates seeking nomination. The filing period for candidates is set between noon on March 16 and noon on March 30, with provisions for extensions if the latter date falls on a weekend.

Furthermore, the bill amends Section 7-11-210 to change the deadline for filing party pledges, which must now be submitted by noon on March 30. The amendments also clarify that the party pledge must be signed personally by the candidate in the presence of an authorized individual, and any pledge signed by an agent will be deemed invalid. The bill aims to streamline the candidate filing process and ensure that all candidates adhere to the same financial obligations when seeking nomination. The act will take effect upon approval by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
12/05/2024: 7-11-15, 7-11-210
Latest Version: 7-11-15, 7-11-210