A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 7-5-120, RELATING TO QUALIFICATIONS FOR VOTER REGISTRATION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT ONLY CITIZENS OF THIS STATE AND OF THE UNITED STATES MAY REGISTER TO VOTE; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 7-5-675, RELATING TO VOTER REGISTRATION CARDS, SO AS TO PROHIBIT ISSUING VOTER REGISTRATION CARDS TO PERSONS WHO ARE NOT UNITED STATES CITIZENS.
Summary
H5278 amends South Carolina’s voter registration laws to make clear that only citizens of South Carolina and the United States may register to vote. It revises the voter-eligibility statute to replace broader registration language with a citizenship requirement, while keeping the existing age, disability, and residency qualifications in place.
The bill also changes the law governing voter registration cards by directing the State Elections Commission to continue issuing photo registration cards for voting purposes only, but prohibiting those cards from being issued to any person who is not a U.S. citizen. The measure would take effect upon approval by the Governor.
Impact
If enacted, H5278 would tighten the statutory qualifications for voter registration in South Carolina by expressly limiting registration to U.S. citizens who are also citizens of the state, and it would bar noncitizens from receiving voter registration cards. The bill would affect the election code provisions in Sections 7-5-120 and 7-5-675 and would primarily impact the State Elections Commission, county election officials, and prospective registrants.
Sentiment
No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no documented debate or roll-call history to assess. Based on the bill’s caption and text, the measure appears framed as a voter-eligibility and election-administration bill focused on citizenship verification. The available context does not show support or opposition, but the subject matter suggests it is likely to be viewed through the lens of election integrity and access to registration.
Contention
The main point of contention would likely be whether the bill is a necessary safeguard to ensure only eligible citizens register and receive voter cards, or whether it creates an unnecessary barrier to registration and administration. Supporters would likely emphasize citizenship-based eligibility and preventing improper issuance of registration cards, while critics could argue the language is redundant, potentially confusing, or could risk excluding eligible voters if documentation or verification procedures are too strict.