SC H5361

Establishes closed primary elections in South Carolina beginning January 1, 2027, requiring voters to register with a political party to participate in that party's primary elections or advisory referendums

Allows political parties to opt out of the closed primary system by notifying the State Election Commission 60-180 days in advance that they will permit independent/unaffiliated voters to participate in their primary

Requires voter registration forms to include political party affiliation selection, with voters who fail to select a party automatically registered as independent/unaffiliated

Permits voters to change their party affiliation by executing an affidavit no later than 30 days before a primary election

Mandates county boards of voter registration contact all qualified electors before June 1, 2026 to inform them of the new partisan primary voting procedures