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, which must be provided 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 hand counts of votes for contested races, ensuring transparency in the election results. It specifies that discrepancies between audit results and tabulated vote counts of 0.002% or greater must be reported and investigated, with a mandatory hand recount of all votes in the affected precincts before certifying the election results. This comprehensive approach aims to bolster public confidence in the electoral system by ensuring accountability and transparency throughout the election process.

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