The bill H. 3643 aims to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws regarding voter registration and party affiliation. It introduces a new section, 7-5-200, which stipulates that only electors registered as affiliated with a certified political party or as unaffiliated for at least 45 days prior to a partisan primary or advisory referendum may participate in those events. Additionally, it establishes processes for electors to register or change their party affiliation. The bill also amends existing sections to require voter registration applications to include political party affiliation, shortens the candidate filing period for general elections, mandates filing fees for all candidates, and allows political parties to charge certification fees.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the requirements for candidates to appear on primary ballots, stating that only those who have participated in recent statewide primaries and are registered with the party for a specified period are eligible, unless waived by the party. The State Election Commission is tasked with ensuring that each elector's party affiliation is accurately recorded, and a voter education program will be established to inform the public about these changes. The act will take effect upon the Governor's approval and will apply to all primaries conducted after March 31, 2026.

Statutes affected:
12/12/2024: 7-5-200, 7-11-15, 7-11-210, 7-13-40
02/05/2025: 7-5-200, 7-11-15, 7-11-210, 7-13-40
Latest Version: 7-5-200, 7-11-15, 7-11-210, 7-13-40