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SC H5359
Bill
Status
Introduced
3/11/2026
Primary Sponsor
John Mccravy
Click for details
AI Summary
- Requires voters to register with a political party to vote in that party's primary elections, converting South Carolina from an open to closed primary system
- Allows political parties to opt to open their primaries to independent/unaffiliated voters by notifying the State Election Commission 60-180 days before the election
- Mandates voter registration forms include political party affiliation selection, with those who fail to select a party automatically registered as independent
- Requires candidates seeking to appear on a party's primary ballot to have voted in two of the last three statewide primaries of that party and be registered with the party at least 45 days before filing opens (party may grant waivers)
- Voters may change party affiliation by executing an affidavit no later than 30 days before a primary, with full implementation required after May 31, 2026
Legislative Description
Closed primaries
Last Action
Referred to Committee on Judiciary
3/11/2026
Committee Referrals
Judiciary3/11/2026
Full Bill Text
No bill text available