The Election Transparency and Accountability Act aims to enhance the integrity and transparency of the electoral process in South Carolina. The bill mandates that county boards of voter registration and elections maintain specific records, such as cast vote records and proof of citizenship, and provide these records to qualified electors upon request at no charge. It establishes the inherent right of citizens to observe various election processes, including equipment testing and ballot counting, while outlining protocols for observers to ensure they do not interfere with the voting process. Additionally, the bill introduces strict inventory record-keeping and chain of custody requirements for all election-related materials and equipment.

Furthermore, the Act requires county boards to conduct postelection audits involving a hand count of all votes cast in contested races for a minimum of ten percent of precincts after every statewide primary and general election. It specifies that discrepancies between audit results and tabulated vote counts of 0.002% or greater must be reported and investigated, leading to a mandatory hand recount before certifying election results. The bill emphasizes public transparency by requiring advance notice of audit processes and allowing candidates and observers to participate in the oversight of these procedures.

Statutes affected:
05/06/2025: 7-5-35, 7-13-870, 7-13-880, 7-13-1180, 7-13-1455
Latest Version: 7-5-35, 7-13-870, 7-13-880, 7-13-1180, 7-13-1455