The bill S. 3 aims to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws to enhance voting rights for individuals with felony convictions. Specifically, it proposes to remove the disqualification from voting due to a felony conviction upon a person's release from prison, thereby automatically restoring their voting rights. Additionally, the bill mandates that the Department of Corrections notify individuals in writing about their restored voting rights upon release, along with instructions on how to register to vote.

Furthermore, the bill amends the voter registration process by eliminating the requirement for applicants to affirm that they have never been convicted of a felony or election law offenses. This change is reflected in the amendments to Sections 7-5-120 and 7-5-170 of the South Carolina Code. The bill also includes conforming changes to Section 7-5-185 regarding electronic applications for voter registration. Overall, the legislation seeks to simplify the voting process for individuals with felony convictions and promote their reintegration into civic life.

Statutes affected:
12/11/2024: 7-5-120, 7-5-170, 7-5-185
Latest Version: 7-5-120, 7-5-170, 7-5-185