The bill S. 305 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 include political party affiliation information in voter registration applications and modifies the candidate filing period and requirements for party pledges.

Furthermore, the bill specifies that only individuals who have participated in two of the last three statewide primaries of a certified political party and are registered with that party for at least 45 days prior to the candidate filing period are eligible to appear on the ballot for that party's primary. It allows for waivers to these requirements under certain conditions. The State Election Commission is tasked with implementing a voter education program regarding these changes, which will take effect upon the Governor's approval and 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