The "Secure, Accurate, and Verifiable Elections Act" (SAVE Act) is designed to improve the integrity and transparency of the electoral process in South Carolina. Key provisions include the creation of separate lists for active, inactive, and archived voter registrations, a ten-year voter registration period requiring valid identification, and the exclusive use of paper poll books at voting locations. The bill also sets a maximum population limit for precincts, necessitating the establishment of new precincts when this limit is exceeded. It emphasizes that only qualified electors who meet all constitutional and statutory requirements may vote, introduces hand-counting of paper ballots, and mandates the maintenance of a chain of custody for voting system components.

Additionally, the SAVE Act enhances public access to the ballot counting process by requiring counties to post election results before notifying the State Election Commission. It includes provisions for absentee voting, such as requiring witness signatures on applications and ensuring the transportation of absentee ballots to precincts on election day. The bill expands the categories of qualified electors eligible for absentee voting and clarifies the absentee ballot request process. It also mandates that absentee ballots be counted at their respective precincts and become void if the voter votes in person. Lastly, the act designates general election day as a legal holiday, reinforcing its commitment to secure and transparent election administration.

Statutes affected:
12/12/2024: 7-3-20, 7-5-160, 7-5-200, 7-7-715, 7-13-72, 7-13-700, 7-13-730, 7-13-870, 7-13-880, 7-13-1110, 7-13-1160, 7-15-320, 7-15-330, 7-15-420, 53-5-10
Latest Version: 7-3-20, 7-5-160, 7-5-200, 7-7-715, 7-13-72, 7-13-700, 7-13-730, 7-13-870, 7-13-880, 7-13-1110, 7-13-1160, 7-15-320, 7-15-330, 7-15-420, 53-5-10