SC H3643

Requires voters to register with a political party affiliation or as unaffiliated at least 45 days before a partisan primary to participate; unaffiliated voters who cast a primary ballot automatically become registered members of that party

Adds political party affiliation or unaffiliated status as a required field on all voter registration applications

Shortens the candidate filing period by changing the deadline from March 30 to March 25, and requires all political party candidates to pay a filing fee beginning July 1, 2026, with parties authorized to charge an additional certification fee up to $100

Restricts primary ballot eligibility to candidates who voted in two of the last three statewide primaries of the party and registered with that party at least 45 days before the filing period opens, though party executive committees may grant waivers

Takes effect upon Governor's approval and applies to all primaries conducted after March 31, 2026, with the State Election Commission required to implement form changes by October 1, 2025