The bill S. 305 aims to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws regarding voter registration and party affiliation. It establishes that only electors registered as affiliated with a certified political party or as unaffiliated for at least forty-five days prior to a partisan primary or advisory referendum may participate in those events. Additionally, it outlines the processes for electors to register or change their party affiliation, ensuring that applications for voter registration include information about political party affiliation. The bill also modifies existing sections related to voter registration applications, candidate filing periods, and the certification of candidates for primary ballots, emphasizing the importance of party affiliation in the electoral process.

Key amendments include the requirement for voter registration applications to indicate political party affiliation, the shortening of the candidate filing period, and the stipulation that only those who have participated in recent statewide primaries and are registered with the party for a specified time can appear on the ballot for that party's primary. The bill mandates the State Election Commission to implement a voter education program regarding these changes and requires that any necessary updates to forms be completed by October 1, 2025. The act will take effect upon the Governor's approval and will apply to all primaries conducted after March 31, 2026.

Statutes affected:
02/04/2025: 7-5-200, 7-5-170, 7-11-15, 7-11-210, 7-13-40
Latest Version: 7-5-200, 7-5-170, 7-11-15, 7-11-210, 7-13-40