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SC H5447

Bill

Status

Introduced

3/26/2026

Primary Sponsor

Joe White

Click for details

Origin

House of Representatives

126th General Assembly

AI Summary

  • Establishes closed primary elections in South Carolina beginning January 1, 2027, requiring voters to register with a political party to vote in that party's primary elections or advisory referendums
  • Allows political parties to opt-in independent voters by notifying the State Election Commission in writing between 60-180 days before the primary
  • Requires voter registration forms to include political party affiliation and updates the voter oath to include party selection; voters who fail to select a party are automatically registered as independents
  • Permits voters to change their party affiliation by executing an affidavit no later than 30 days before a primary election
  • County boards must contact all registered voters before June 1, 2026, to inform them of the new partisan primary voting procedures

Legislative Description

Closed primaries

Last Action

Referred to Committee on Judiciary

3/26/2026

Committee Referrals

Judiciary3/26/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available