The bill S. 37 aims to amend various sections of the South Carolina Code of Laws concerning municipal elections. It introduces a new section, 5-15-45, which establishes expiration terms for certain municipal officeholders based on when their terms began, specifically for mayors and council members elected in 2022, 2023, 2024, or 2025. Additionally, it amends Section 5-15-50 to specify that municipal general elections must occur on designated dates in odd-numbered years. Other amendments include requiring municipal election commissions to certify election results within three days, allowing candidates declared elected to take office pending contest outcomes, and updating procedures for contesting election results and appeals.

Further changes include the transfer of election authority to county election commissions, with specific conditions for such transfers, and the requirement for continuous reporting of election results without undue delay. The bill also modifies the tabulation process for absentee ballots and early voting data, ensuring that results are not publicly reported until after polls close. The act will take effect upon the Governor's approval, with specific provisions becoming effective on January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
12/11/2024: 5-15-45, 5-15-50, 5-15-100, 5-15-120, 5-15-130, 5-15-140, 5-15-145, 7-3-25, 7-13-1160, 7-15-420
01/15/2025: 5-15-45, 5-15-50, 5-15-100, 5-15-120, 5-15-130, 5-15-140, 5-15-145, 7-3-25, 7-13-1160, 7-15-420
Latest Version: 5-15-45, 5-15-50, 5-15-100, 5-15-120, 5-15-130, 5-15-140, 5-15-145, 7-3-25, 7-13-1160, 7-15-420