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 from municipal election commissions to county boards of voter registration and elections, contingent upon mutual agreement and ordinance enactment. The bill also mandates that the State Election Commission will determine and certify election outcomes if local bodies fail to do so. Other provisions enhance the reporting of election results and the tabulation of absentee ballots, ensuring timely and accurate election processes. The act will take effect upon the Governor's approval, with specific sections 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