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 establishment of separate lists for active, inactive, and archived voter registrations, as well as the requirement for valid identification to register to vote. The bill mandates the exclusive use of paper poll books at voting locations and sets a maximum population limit for precincts, necessitating the creation of new precincts when that limit is exceeded. It also specifies the number of election managers required per precinct based on registered voters and introduces penalties for non-compliance. Additionally, the act emphasizes the use of hand-marked paper ballots, mandates hand counting of all ballots at each precinct, and ensures public observation of the counting process.

The SAVE Act further amends several sections of the South Carolina Code related to election procedures and absentee voting. It requires election managers and clerks to publish election results at polling places and allows for additional volunteer personnel in ballot counting, provided they take an oath affirming they are not candidates or watchers. The bill clarifies that absentee ballots must be counted at their respective precincts and establishes that any absentee ballot submitted by a voter who also votes in person will be null and void. It expands the categories of individuals eligible to vote absentee, including physically disabled persons and expectant mothers, and sets requirements for requesting absentee ballot applications. The act also designates general election day as a legal holiday and will take effect upon approval by the Governor.

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
02/05/2025: 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