The bill S. 124 aims to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by modifying Section 7-13-130, which pertains to the management of polling places and the confidentiality of voted ballots. The proposed changes allow for the release of certain voted ballots and de-identified cast vote records under specific circumstances, including court orders, directives from the appropriate board of voter registration and elections, or through freedom of information requests. Additionally, the bill emphasizes that all voted ballots and associated records must remain confidential and that any identifying information must be redacted before public release. Violations of this confidentiality can result in misdemeanor charges.

Furthermore, the bill amends Section 30-4-20 to include cast vote records in the definition of public records, while maintaining the confidentiality restrictions outlined in Section 7-13-130. This inclusion ensures that cast vote records are treated as public documents, but with the necessary safeguards to protect voter identity. The act will take effect upon approval by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
12/11/2024: 7-13-130, 30-4-20
01/17/2025: 7-13-130, 30-4-20
Latest Version: 7-13-130, 30-4-20