Source: http://www.scag.gov/archives/tag/election
Timestamp: 2020-01-22 19:46:21
Document Index: 702177852

Matched Legal Cases: ['§15', '§ 8', '§ 4', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§22', '§7', '§ 24', '§ 5', '§ 1', '§7', '§ 7', '§ 6']

Election Archives - South Carolina Attorney GeneralSouth Carolina Attorney General
Opinion on the validity of a municipal ordinance imposing a durational residency requirement on candidates for mayor and
Requested by The Honorable J. Todd Rutherford, Member, South Carolina House of Representatives.
Opinion as to whether local voter registration and election boards may combine precincts and whether they may use a single polling place for multiple precincts.
Requested by Ms. Marci Andino, Executive Director, South Carolina Election Commission.
Opinion on what activities are considered a “meeting” according to S.C. Code Ann. Section 7-5-10(B)(3).
Requested by Mr. Andrew C. Marine, Vice Chairman, Aiken County Registration and Elections Commission.
Opinion on the constitutionality of enforcing certain provisions of the South Carolina Ethics, Government Accountability, and Campaign Reform Act of 1991 with regard to political parties, as that term is defined in the Act.
Requested by Ms. Meghan L. Walker, Executive Director, State Ethics Commission.
Opinion on whether a member of a school district board of trustees may revoke a tendered resignation before it is accepted.
Requested by Mrs. Bonnie Knight, Member and Acting Board Chairperson for Anderson County School District No. Two.
Opinion on whether or not the County of Florence would qualify as the “State” for standing purposes.
Requested by Mr. D. Malloy McEachin, Jr., Esquire, attorney for Florence County.
Opinion on whether the Governor has authority to appoint a commissioner to an elected seat of the Bath Water and Sewer District.
Requested by Richele K. Taylor, Chief Legal Counsel, Office of the Governor.
Opinion on the Capital Project Sales Tax (Section 4-10-350, Code of Laws of South Carolina).
Requested by The Honorable Stephen Goldfinch, Member, South Carolina Senate.
Opinion on whether a special election is required for filling the balance of an unexpired term of office (South Carolina Code of Laws, Section 48-11-100(c)(8)).
Requested by Mr. Willie Horton McAbee, III, Pendleton.
Opinion on clarification or revision of county boundaries (voter registration) under Section 27-5-105, South Carolina Code of Laws.
Opinion on election of county sheriffs (S.C. Constitution, Art. III, Section 34 and Art. V, Section 24; S.C. Code Ann. Section 23-11-10).
Requested by The Honorable Joshua A. Putnam, Member, South Carolina House of Representatives.
Opinion on the legality of the expansion and annexation of the City of North Charleston to include the property of Runnymede.
Requested by The Honorable Lin Bennett, Member, South Carolina House of Representatives.
Opinion on whether a county board of voter registration and elections is a board or agency of the respective county or a board or agency of the State.
Requested by Mr. Rokey W. Suleman, II, Director, Richland County Board of Voter Registration and Elections.
Opinion on South Carolina Code Ann. Sections 4-8-20 et seq. and 4-8-95 (Does a commission for the creation of a consolidated political subdivision have authority to continue studies and the drafting of a proposed consolidated government charter where a city council preemptively voted to exclude itself?)
Requested by Walter H. Sanders, Esquire, Attorney for Allendale County.
Opinion on reducing the number of polling places during a municipal election for council members to one central polling place.
Requested by G.W. Parker, Esquire, Attorney for Town of Summerville.
Opinion on the requirements for filing a Statement of Economic Interest (SEI).
Requested by The Honorable Tommy M. Stringer, Member, South Carolina House of Representatives.
Opinion on a proposed municipal incorporation application.
Requested by The Honorable Dennis C. Moss, Chairman, Joint Committee on Municipal Incorporation, South Carolina House of Representatives.
Opinion on whether the process delineated in Section 6-11-10 et seq. is violative of the South Carolina Constitution.
Requested by The Honorable Steven W. Long, and the Honorable Josiah Magnuson, Members, South Carolina House of Representatives.
Opinion on eligible voters to be included on voter registration list used when an election is overturned due to irregularities or illegalities.
Requested by Ms. Marci Andino, Executive Director, State Election Commission.
Opinion on whether the SC Department of Revenue has the authority to cancel certain permits that have been authorized by an affirmative vote on a referendum during the general election (S.C. Code Ann. Section 61-6-2010).
Requested by The Honorable J. Derham Cole, Member, South Carolina House of Representatives.
Opinion on whether an ordinance setting an implementation date for a change in the form of government is consistent with the Constitution and the general law of the state.
Requested by The Honorable Paul Thurmond, Member, South Carolina Senate
Opinion regarding a situation in Lee County, where for some time elections for a number of seats on county council were unable to be held because of restrictions, but may now be held, and inquiring as to how these procedures should be handled.
Opinion on legality of wording of a bond referendum by the Dorchester County Council – whether it is legal to combine both of the requests for authorization to issue bonds for libraries and for parks into one referendum question.
Requested by The Honorable Paul Thurmond, Member, South Carolina Senate.
Opinion on whether a special district fire board can be elected by popular vote.
Requested by The Honorable Stephen Goldfinch, Jr., Member, South Carolina House of Representatives.
Opinion on whether an outcome of a vote can be changed in a subsequent meeting for filling vacancies on the Renewable Water Resources Board of Commissioners.
Requested by The Honorable Bruce Bannister, Vice Chairman, Greenville County Legislative Delegation.
Opinion regarding whether the Buffalo Volunteer Fire Department is a special purpose district.
Requested by The Honorable Bryan Gardin, Chief, Buffalo Fire Department.
Opinion on whether the Governor possesses the authority to suspend or remove individuals from office.
Requested by Holly Pisarik, Chief Legal Counsel, Office of the Governor.
Opinion regarding South Carolina’s Voter ID law.
Requested by The Honorable Tommy Pope, Speaker Pro Tempore, SC House of Representatives.
Opinion regarding SC Constitution Article VII, Section 7.
Requested by Bradley T. Farrar, Esq., Chief Deputy Richland County Attorney.
Opinion regarding whether the Clarendon County Fire Protection Service Area would be subject to the millage rate cap imposed by S.C. Code Ann. 6-1-320 (Supp. 2014).
Requested by Patricia Pringle, Esq., Clarendon County Auditor.
Opinion regarding whether S.C. Code Ann. 5-7-180 prohibits the Fire Chief or member of the City of Loris Volunteer Fire Department from simultaneously serving as a member of the Loris City Council.
Requested by Michael W. Battle, Esq., City Attorney for the City of Loris.
Opinion concerning whether the Enabling Act (Act No. 769 of 1973) is constitutional under the Home Rule Amendments.
Requested by The Honorable William M. “Bill” Chumley, House of Representatives, District No. 35.
Opinion regarding whether simultaneously holding the positions of Coroner of Dorchester County and Chief Magistrate of Dorchester County would contravene the dual office holding prohibition set forth in the State’s Constitution as well as the Judicial Code of Conduct.
Requested by Mark A. Leiendecker, First Circuit Public Defender.
Opinion regarding an interpretation of the Ethics Act.
Requested by Kenneth A. Bingham, Chairman, House Legislative Ethics Committee.
Opinion regarding the statutory construction of S.C. Code Ann. 7-15-700, a provision of the South Carolina Uniform Military and Overseas Voters Act.
Opinion regarding whether one can be employed as a constable for a magistrate court and run for sheriff at the same time.
Requested by Kayla Buchanan, SCTR – Bates Township Summary Court.
Opinion regarding the constitutionality of S.C. Code Ann. Section 2-19-20(C), which prohibits any person from concurrently seeking more than one judicial vacancy.
Requested by The Honorable Gerald Malloy, Senator, District No. 29.
Opinion on whether the Chesterfield County Council can change a fire district boundary which is also a special purpose tax district without District Fire Board of Directors’ concurrence or agreement.
Requested by the Honorable Richard Yow, Member, South Carolina House of Representatives.
Opinion on the constitutionality of a referendum on the question of whether to change state law regarding the display of the Confederate battle flag on the grounds of the South Carolina State House.
Requested by The Honorable Larry Grooms, Member, South Carolina Senate.
Opinion regarding whether administrative law judges “are exempt from accruing annual leave.”
Requested by The Honorable Ralph King Anderson, III, State of South Carolina Administrative Law Court.
Opinion regarding how the Beech Island Rural Community Water District can fill upcoming vacancies on its board of directors if its bylaws and the statute creating water districts are not uniform.
Requested by The Honorable Tom Young, Jr.
Opinion regarding what appears to be a conflict between the ability to campaign within the vicinity of a polling place on an election day and the authority of a homeowners’ association to regulate political campaign signage and solicitation within the given community.
Requested by Ms. Allison C. Coppage, Esq., Assistant Beaufort County Attorney.
Opinion regarding the interpretation of section 56-5-5015(H)(1) of the South Carolina Code.
Requested by The Honorable Luke A. Rankin.
Opinion regarding a March 30, 2015 opinion, which addressed Article III, §15 of the South Carolina Constitution.
Opinion regarding whether serving on the board of directors of the Pee Dee Mental Health Center and on the Marion City Council would constitute dual office holding.
Requested by Ms. Doris J. Gerrald.
Opinion regarding Town of Atlantic Beach Ordinance No. 9-2009 amending 1-2-7 of the Code of Ordinances for the Town of Atlantic Beach.
Requested by The Honorable Jake Evans, Town of Atlantic Beach.
Requested by: The Honorable Roger Le Duc, Town of Edgefield Administrator
Opinion regarding the interpretation of Section 59-130-10 as it relates to the effect of the General Assembly’s failure to re-elect a member of the College of Charleston Board of Trustees.
Opinion regarding whether a former elected county official who pled guilty to misconduct in office pursuant to South Carolina Code § 8-1-80 et seq. pursuant to a State Grand Jury indictment would be guilty of a crime of moral turpitude for using state property for his own personal and pecuniary gain.
Requested by: Mark A. Keel, Chief, S.C. Law Enforcement Division
Opinion regarding SC Code Section 5-7-170 and council members salary change.
Requested by Kenneth E. Gaines, Columbia City Attorney
Opinion asking several questions in regards to the Governor’s Campaign and the Ethics Commission.
Requested by: The Honorable Brad Hutto, Senator, District No. 40
Opinion as to the impact of Spartanburg County’s (the “County”) transition from a self-funded insurance plan to the South Carolina Public Employee Benefit Authority’s (PEBA) insurance benefits program on the insurance benefits currently afforded part time magistrates.
Opinion regarding the impact the recently passed, Equal Access to the Ballot Act, which you reference as S.2, “has on political parties who nominate candidates through the convention process.”
Opinion on two issues regarding dual office holding.
Requested by Chief H. Harold Brown, Elgin Police Department
Opinion as to whether State law prohibits you from continuing to serve as a firefighter for a municipal fire department, while also holding certification from the State Fire Marshal, if you are elected to city council in a separate municipality.
Requested by: Mr. Taylor A. Graham
Opinion regarding the interpretation of Section 59-127-20 as it relates to the effect of the General Assembly’s failure to re-elect a member of the South Carolina State Board of Trustees.
Requested by: Robert L. Wladrep, Jr., Chairman, South Carolina State University Board of Trustees.
Opinion concerning whether a legislator currently serving in the South Carolina General Assembly may also hold the position of Director of Airports on the Charleston County Aviation Authority without violating state law.
Requested by: The Honorable Jenny A. Horne, Member, House of Representatives.
Opinion asking us to please clarify what documentation our Office believes is the minimum documentation required for travel reimbursement by a municipality for a municipal councilman.
Requested by: The Honorable Robert Williams, Member, House of Representatives
Opinion “on an issue that has arisen in response to the United States Supreme Court’s Ruling in Shelby County v. Hunter.”
Opinion asking are staff employees of the Voters Registration & Election Commission considered county employees when the authority to hire and fire does not reside with the county administrator.
Requested by: Nick Oxendine, Chairman, Allendale County Voters Registration & Election Commission
Opinion as to whether State law prohibits an individual from simultaneously serving as a member of the Union County Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse and as a member of the City of Union Municipal Election Commission.
Opinion “on when the terms of Office for newly elected members of the Board of Trustees (Board) commence.”
Requested by: Gregory D. Padgett, Chair, College of Charleston Board of Trustees
Opinion asking does an individual have to be a resident of South Carolina to be qualified for appointment to the position of Retiree Representative Member with the S.C. Retirement Investment Commission?
Requested by: Darry Oliver, Chief Operating Officer, S.C. Retirement System Investment Commission
Opinion regarding “the effects on projects approved in an initial referendum to impose a one percent sale tax pursuant to Section 4-10-300, et seq. of the South Carolina Code.”
Opinion asking whether the Union County supervisor is considered an elected official per S.C. Code § 4-9-30(7)? Does the supervisor fall within the scope of the county’s personnel policy? Is the county council itself authorized to hire and fire a county employee? Is county council authorized to reinstate an employee fired by the supervisor? And if county council does have the authority to fire a county employee or have an employee reinstated that is fired by the supervisor, what type of majority would county council have to have to do so?
Requested by: Sammy G. Diamaduros, Esquire, Union County Attorney
Opinion asking which country is a constituent’s property located in where the home built on the property has been taxed since it was built close to fifteen years ago by Cherokee County but, for the first time, Spartanburg County assessor sent notice on March 19, 2021 to the constituent and to Cherokee County that he is taxing the home as being located in Spartanburg County?
Opinion questioning as to whether a Veterans Identification Card issued by the Department of Veterans’s Affairs would qualify as a federal military ID acceptable for voting.
Requested by: Marci Andino, Executive Order, South Carolina Elections Commission
Opinion asking does South Carolina Code Section 57-1-310 (1976, as amended) prohibit the son of a retired legislator from being elected to the Department of Transportation commission.
Opinion as to whether an individual employed by the South Carolina Department of Mental Health (the “SCDMH”) Division of Public Safety as a cadet pending certification as a law enforcement officer is a “public officer” as defined in S.C. Code § 8-1-10 and as used in S.C. Code § 8-1-80 concerning official misconduct.
Requested by: The Honorable Todd Rutherford, Member, House of Representatives
Opinion concerning the question of “who has the authority to terminate the Director of the Board of Elections and Voter Registration of Richland County.”
Opinion asking if a candidate for a seat on the SC Board of Medical Examiners in a particular Congressional District is eligible for inclusion on the ballot for that District when he has 50 signatures, but one of those signatures was from a physician whose license was lapsed and other signatures were from physicians who reside outside the candidate’s Congressional District?
Requested by: Darra James Coleman, Chief Advice Counsel, SC Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation
Opinion regarding the election of commissioners of the South Carolina Department of Transportation Commission (the “DOT Commission”).
Requested by: Kenneth M. Moffitt, Esquire, Chief Counsel, Joint Transportation Review Committee
Opinion questioning can a deputy sheriff also hold a position such as a board member on the Fairfield County Council on Aging without violating the dual office holding provision of Article XVII, Section 1A of the South Carolina Constitution?
Opinion concerning the manner in which the proceeds of a sale by the Lancaster County Forfeited Land Commission should be distributed when such proceeds are insufficient to pay all “unpaid property taxes, penalties, assessments…and costs including taxes levied for the year in which the redemption period begins.”
Requested by: The Honorable Cheryl H. Morgan, Lancaster County Auditor
Opinion referring to section 5-7-260 of the South Carolina Code (2004), questioning “when must a municipality act by resolution and when may it act by a simple motion?”
Requested by: Thomas M. Boulware, Esquire, Brown, Jefferies & Boulware
Opinion concerning the procedure for approving new debt not exceeding the eight percent limitation of article X, section 14(7) of the South Carolina Constitution.
Requested by: Dennis K. Ray, Fire Chief, Lugoff Fire District
Opinion asking whether the list of eligible jurors which the State Election Commission furnishes the chief magistrates pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. §22-2-50 must include the names of individuals holding South Carolina driver’s licenses or identification cards who are not also registered voters.
Requested by: Bobby M. Bowers, Director, Division of Research and Statistics, SC Budget and Control Board
Opinion concerning the Aiken County Auditor’s retirement and an election to fill out the remainder of the unexpired term. Specifically, the Aiken County Auditor will be retiring effective June 30, 2012. His current term of office would normally expire June 30, 2013. The Auditor’s race is already on the November 2012 ballot for the term to commence July 1, 2012.
Requested by: W. Lawrence Brown, Esquire, Aiken County Office of the County Attorney
Opinion “concerning the appointment of replacement candidates for the November 12 general election.”
Opinion regarding several questions related to the appointment and terms as Municipal Court Judge.
Requested by: The Honorable Vanessa C. Hollins, Municipal Judge, Town of Winnsboro
Opinion concerning the date by which the Court must render a decision in order to allow the State of South Carolina sufficient time to implement the Act, R54, for the 2012 General Elections in November.
Requested by: H. Christopher Bartolomucci, Esquire, Bancroft PLLC
Opinion concerning the effect on the majority votes when a candidate formally withdraws from a race after his name has been added to the ballot.
Requested by: Marci Andino, Executive Director, State Election Commission
Opinion regarding the implementation of a change in the form of municipal government.
Requested by: Kenneth E. Gaines, Esquire, City Attorney, City of Columbia
Opinion regarding the implementation of a change in the form of county government from the council-administrator to the council-manager form. Specifically, you have inquired whether a treasurer and auditor elected at the same election in which a referendum is passed adopting this change would be entitled to assume office and serve out their elected term.
Opinion “as to the definition of ‘current’ under Code Section 8-13-1356(A) pertaining to filing disclosure statement by an incumbent.”
Requested by: The Honorable William E. Crosby, Member, House of Representatives
Opinion as to whether those persons who were disqualified as candidates as a result of the recent Supreme Court decision in Anderson v. South Carolina Election Commission, Op. No. 27120 (May 2, 2012) may offer as petition candidates in the general election.
Requested by: The Honorable Tom Young, Jr., Member, House of Representatives
Opinion concerning eligibility requirements for members of the Saluda County Water and Sewer Authority (the “Authority”).
Requested by: Brian L. Burgess, Manager, Saluda County Water and Sewer Authority
Opinion addressing whether §7-25-100 prohibits the reproduction of a ballot by devices such as a cell phone, video camera, camera or iPad.
Opinion relating “to a potential annexation in the Town of Lexington.” Specifically, “[t]he Town argued that [it] had [the] legal ability to use [a] previously annexed right of way to become contigous to the property in question.”
Requested by: The Honorable Rick Quinn, Member, House of Representatives
Opinion concerning the interpretation of sections 5-3-310 through -315 of the South Carolina Code (2004). The facts, as you have represented them, are that the City of North Charleston (“the City”) has annexed a portion of unincorporated Dorchester County that has heretofore been serviced by the Ashley River and Old Fort Fire Districts (collectively, “the Districts”).
Requested by: John G. Frampton, Esquire
Opinion concerning your intent to file as a candidate for Probate Judge for the County of Bamberg (“County”) and the applicability of a County ordinance purporting to terminate employees of the county who become candidates for an elected county office.
Requested by: Sarah G. Noel, Clerk, Bamberg County Probate Court
Opinion concerning the proper body to govern the affairs of the water and sewer system of the City of Tega Cay.
Requested by: The Honorable Ralph W. Norman, Member, House of Representatives
Opinion addressing whether or not circuit public defenders are entitled to accrue annual leave policies for state employees. Specifically, whether or not they are also entitled to receive payment for accumulated, unused annual leave (“terminal leave”) upon leaving the position.
Requested by: James M. Holly, Chief of Staff of Comptroller General
Opinion as to whether the provisions of section 33-31-1602 of the South Carolina Code (Supp.) 1994 superseded the bylaws and covenants of gated communities.
Requested by: The Honorable Tom Davis, Senator, District No. 46
Opinion “as to the proper implementation of Act 301 of 2010 (H4635, A301, R167; signed by the Governor March 31, 2010)…”
Requested by: The Honorable Bakari T. Sellers, Member, House of Representatives
Opinion concerning “[u]nder what authority, if any, does a county council have the authority to enact an ordinance requiring elected officials residing in that county, including the county legislative delegation, to submit to a drug screen as a condition for holding office?”
Opinion concerning the validity of Proviso 76.14 as proposed in the Conference Committee Report concerning the 2011-2012 Appropriations Act.
Requested By: The Honorable Curtis M. Loftis, Jr., South Carolina State Treasurer
Opinion concerning a provision in the recently enacted legislation, H.3003, or commonly known as the “Photo ID” or “Voter ID” legislation.
Requested by: Marci Andino, Executive Director, SC Election Commission
Opinion addressing the Arcadia Lakes Town Council and minutes of a Town Council meeting mistakenly stating a council member’s intention to resign versus his “intention not to seek reelection…in the November 2011 election.”
Requested by: The Honorable Bob Bishop, Mayor Pro Tem, Town of Arcadia Lakes
Opinion concerning whether the State Election Commission has the authority to contract with the vendor that is developing the new statewide voter registration system for the purpose of marketing the system to other states.
Opinion concerning any legal concerns we find with the new electronic signature system.
Opinion on behalf of the Town of Williamston South Carolina concerning health benefits available to the Town’s council members. Specifically, an opinion setting forth the proper procedure to use in this and other situations wherein Councilpersons who desire to receive health coverage under the South Carolina Employee Insurance Program may obtain such coverage without violation of 1976 South Carolina of Law Section 5-7-170.
Requested by: Richard E. Thompson, Esquire
Opinion concerning millage rate calculations during a reassessment year in Beaufort County and Jasper County. More specifically, questioning what role the rollback provisions in sections 6-1-320(A) and 12-37-251(E) of the South Carolina will play under these circumstances.
Requested by: Ladson F. Howell, Esquire and Marvin C. Jones, Esquire
Opinion concerning the authority of the State Election Commission (SEC) to enter into a contract with the political parties for the purposes of conduction the 2012 Presidential Preference Primaries.
Requested by: Ms. Marci Andino, Executive Director, State Election Commission
Opinion concerning two provisos recently adopted as a part of the Appropriations Act by the Conference Committee. Specifically, seeking clarification and guidance concerning the authority to conduct the 2012 Presidential Preference Primaries (PPP).
Opinion as to whether a gated community in South Carolina can prohibit door to door campaigning by candidates for local, state or federal elections.
Requested by: The Honorable Tom Young, Jr., SC House of Representatives
Opinion concerning the status of the Town of Whitmore’s (the “Town”) form of municipal government.
Requested by: Robert C. Lake, III, Esquire
Opinion concerning the authority of the Director of the Department of Corrections to establish and revise the procedures and protocols concerning the management of lethal injection executions pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 24-3-530.
Requested by: Mr. William R. Byars, Jr., Director, S.C. Carolina Department of Corrections
Opinion regarding the minimum level of law enforcement services provided in the Town of Pendleton, a municipality in Anderson County.
Requested by: Daniel L. Draisen, Esquire
Opinion concerning the removal of a city council member.
Opinion asking whether it would “be a conflict of interest for [you] to continue as the County Registration/Elections Director and a member of the [Greenville-Spartanburg] GSP Commission,” should you be nominated by the County’s Legislative Delegation and appointed by the Governor.
Requested by: Henry M. Laye, III, Director, Spartanburg County Voter Registration & Elections
Opinion regarding the constitutionality of a provision which is part of the Senate passed version of the “Voter ID” Bill pending in the General Assembly.
follow-up opinion questioning whether the Legislature possesses authority to “overrule” or alter the Supreme Court’s decision in Focus on Beaufort County on Behalf of Certain Registered Voters of Beaufort County v. Beaufort County, 318 U.S. 227, 456 S.E.2d 910 (1995).
Opinion interpreting the recently enacted South Carolina Surface Water Withdrawal, Permitting, Use and Reporting Act of 2010 (Act No. 247 of 2010).
Requested by: The Honorable Robert W. Hayes, Jr., Member, SC Senate
Opinion as to the validity of an ordinance enacted by the Town of Cheraw.
Requested by: Michael D. Smith, Town Administrator, Town of Cheraw
Opinion on dual office holding (secretary for the Clearwater Water & Sewer District and serve as a Commissioner of the Clearwater Water & Sewer District).
Requested by Mr. Marvin Herndon, Chairman, Clearwater Water & Sewer District.
Opinion concerning the holding of a referendum by the Town of Elgin.
Requested by: John F. Fantry, Jr., Esquire
Requested by: The Honorable Robert Ford, Member, SC Senate
Opinion concerning “whether South Carolina Law allows one individual to be appointed as the county veterans affairs officer for multiple counties.”
Opinion regarding Richland County employees serving on the Richland County Board of Voter Registration. Specifically, whether there is a conflict of interest and whether the Governor has the authority to name the Chairperson of the Board of Voter Registration.
Requested by: Larry C. Smith, Esquire
Opinion concerning the ability to serve on the Appellate Panel for the Department of Employment and Workforce while also serving on several other boards and committees.
Requested by: Mr. Steve S. Kelly, Jr.
Opinion questioning the procedure to replace the sheriff after resigning following an indictment to federal drug charges.
Opinion asking whether the “city ordinance giving power to the council to approve appointment or dismissal of department heads [is] consistent with state law regarding the mayor-council form of government.” And whether the council alone may reinstate an “employee or department head” who resigned.
Requested by: Elise F. Crosby, Esquire
Opinion concerning term limits for a municipal council. Specifically, “whether a municipal council in the State of South Carolina can enact term limits on its council members, whether the method be by ordinance or by referendum vote.”
Requested by: Elbert O. Duffie, III, General Counsel, Town of Edisto Beach
Opinion concerning the implementation date to change the form of government in the City of Columbia.
Opinion regarding S.C. Code Ann. § 5-7-200(b) and its applicability to the current vacancy on the Columbia City Council.
Requested by: The Honorable James E. Smith, Member, House of Representatives
Opinion concerning the constitutionality of section 12-37-670 of the South Carolina Code (Supp. 2009).
Requested by: R. Brent Thompkins, Esquire
Opinion questioning whether an Act such as Act No. 155 of 2007, defines the lines of Sumter County School Districts 2 and 17 for tax, attendance and election purposes.
Opinion questioning as to “whether or not Richland County can enforce its zoning regulations related to forestry activities on forestland.”
Opinion “regarding the commissioners of New Ellenton Commission of Public Works (NECPW)”.Specifically, “the validity of the position of the current commissioners of the NECPW.”
Opinion concerning what a person or entity has the authority “to impose sanctions for misbehavior and poor performance in office by the veterans’ affairs officer.”
Requested by: Jonathan W. Bryan, Esquire
Opinion concerning dual office holding. Specifically, a Town Council member, who is also Mayor Pro-Tem and serves as president of a member owned private telephone cooperative.
Requested by: The Honorable Ralph E.G. Patterson Sr., Mayor, Town of Due West, S.C.
Opinion concerning “the apparent conflicting statutory provisions applicable to the [Broad Creek Public Service District] set forth in Sections 6-1-320 and 6-11-271 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, as amended.”
Requested by: Marshall N. Katz, Chairman, Broad Creek Public Services District
Follow-up to an opinion issued on April 21, 2009, concerning a mayor pro tempore’s service as mayor.
Opinion concerning “the appropriate term that a gubernatorial appointee should serve in filling a recent vacancy in the Clerk of Court’s Office here in Beaufort County.”
Requested by: Ladson F. Howell, Esquire
Opinion concerning “whether a Town Council member may serve as a poll manager or clerk without offending State law or constitutional prohibitions against dual office holding.”
Opinion questioning whether the Chief of Police of the Town of Ehrhardt also serve as Mayor of Norway South Carolina.
Requested by: The Honorable William C. Stanley, Mayor, Town of Ehrhardt
Opinion addressing the legality of a proposed ordinance being considered by the City of Tega Cay.
Opinion questioning whether “any conflict or violation of federal or state law” exists that would prohibit you “from continuing to serve in the House of Representatives while serving as a member on the State Farm Service Committee[.]”
Opinion questioning whether an individual may be appointed to the Anderson County Election Commission if that individual already serves on the Iva Fire Department Board of Directors.
Requested by: The Honorable Michael W. Gambrell, Member, House of Representatives
Opinion questioning whether there was a conflict of interest due to a member of the Dorchester County Board of Elections and Registration, taking a “leave of absence” for approximately ten months in 2008 to help his wife campaign for reelection as Dorchester County Treasurer and then resume his duties as a member of the Board where his wife was on the ballot as a candidate.
Opinion questioning whether a person who resides in the same county as the sitting at-large member of the State Commission of the Department of Transportation would be eligible for election as a district commissioner.
Requested by: Linda McDonald, Chief Counsel, South Carolina Department of Transportation
Opinion questioning the eligibility of Dr. Thomas Rowland to continue to represent District 2 on the Board of Trustees of the Medical University of South Carolina. .
Requested by: Joseph C. Good, Jr., General Counsel, Medical University of South Carolina
Opinion as to “the impact of the Uniform Electronic Transaction Act of 2004 on county registration and election offices accepting voter registrations applications for absentee ballots via facsimile or email.” And if this satisfies requirements in section 7-5-155(d) of the South Carolina Code.
Opinion concerning a mayor pro tempore’s service as pursuant to section 5-7-190 of the South Carolina Code.
Opinion as to “whether, pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 1-3-240,the Governor has the authority to Setoff Debt Collection Act (“the Act”), based upon its being considered a “quasi-governmental entity”.
Requested by: The Honorable Kenneth A. BinghamHonorable , Majority Leader, House of Representatives
Opinion questioning whether of member of a municipal election commission can vote his or her personal knowledge during a protested hearing.
Requested by: The Honorable Phillip E. Clardy, Mayor, Town of Williamston
Opinion questioning whether a member of the New Ellenton city council who lives in an area no longer considered a part of or annexed to the City of New Ellenton, may continue to serve out his term of office or does he have to resign.
Requested by: The Honorable James E. Stewart, Jr., Member, House of Representatives
Opinion questioning as to “whether or not to count an absentee ballot cast by a voter who died after submitting the ballot.”
Requested by: Marci Andino, Executive Director, South Carolina State Election Commission
Opinion regarding S.C. Code Ann. §7-13-430(A) which regulates the placement and number of emergency paper ballots available in precincts utilizing voting machines.
Opinion regarding S.C. Code Ann. § 7-13-430(A) which regulates the placement and number of emergency paper ballots available in precincts utilizing voting machines.
Opinion questioning whether a county board of registration is authorized to establish places other than the office of the county board of registration at which absentee ballots may be cast prior to the date of the general election.
Requested by: James M. Holly, Esquire
Opinion concerning “the impact of S.C. Code Ann. §§ 6-11-273 and 6-11-275 on the ad valorem property tax millage rate levied by the Slater-Marietta Fire District.”
Requested by: The Honorable Lewis R. Vaughn, Member, SC Senate
Opinion regarding campaign literature and materials such as campaign t-shirts, hats, pins, etc. being displayed or worn in an absentee precinct and/or other polling placing.
Opinion questioning whether the population determination required under section 5-1-30 (B)(1) of the South Carolina Code requires population to be that as determined by the latest official United States Census or whether it can be based upon “the assumption of growth in the absence of the census in Section (B)(1)?”.
Requested by: Bobby M. Bowers, Director, South Carolina Budget and Control Board
Opinion regarding “moving the criminal court from the City-County Complex in Florence to a site in Effingham, which is not inside the City of Florence…”.
Requested by: The Honorable James T. Schofield, Member, Florence County Council
Opinion regarding how to increase the membership on the Belvedere Fire District’s Board of Commissioners.
Requested by: The Honorable Donald C. Smith, Member, House of Representatives
Opinion concerning the residence of on one of the Town of Fort Mill’s councilmembers who was elected in November of 2007.
Requested by: B. Bayles Mack, Esquire
Opinion regarding the residency requirement for members of the Cheraw Town Council (“Town Council”).
Opinion concerning dual office holding in which a Chester County Sheriff’s Department deputy is also a school resource officer and was elected to the Great Falls Town Council.
Requested by: Brian T. Grier, Esquire
Opinion concerning the correct nominating and election procedure to be utilized due to the death of unopposed Republican nominee for Coroner of Newberry County Mr. Tommy Hedgepath.
Opinion concerning a change in the form of the City of Hardeeville’s government.
Requested by: David L. Tedder, Esquire
Opinion regarding 1) what determines an individuals place of legal residence; and 2) when an individual files to run for a Board seat in a particular congressional district or judicial circuit, whether the individual has to be a resident in the district or circuit at that time or whether he can move into the area once elected .
Requested by: The Honorable Olin R. Phillips, Chairman, Committee to Screen Candidates for the Board of Trustees of State Colleges and Universities
Opinion concerning who has the authority to enforce S.C. Code Ann. 7-9-50.
Requested by: Chris Whitmire, Public Information Officer, South Carolina State Election Commission
Opinion questioning whether a Barnwell County salaried employee can also legally serve as clerk of court.
Requested by: Debra Fickling, Barnwell County
Opinion on Section 7-13-15 of the South Carolina Code.
Requested by Mr. Michael Young, Director of Registration & Elections, Florence County Voter Registration and Elections Commission.
Opinion concerning the interpretation of S.C. Code Annotated Sections 5-9-10 through 5-9-40.
Requested by: Lee Zimmerman, Esquire, Blythewood Town Attorney
Opinion questioning whether filing of election candidates is to be opened on March 16th and close March 30th, though both dates are on Sundays in 2008 in relation to S.C. Code Ann. 7-11-15.
Opinion clarifying our December 5, 2007 opinion, which concluded, “that the Town of Summerville may enforce its sign ordinance in state rights of way”.
Opinion regarding the provision of S.C. Code Ann. 7-13-860, and affirming the principles and clarifying that poll watchers have the ability to examine the registration book as long as they do not interfere with the voting process.
Opinion concerning the Gaffney Board of Public Works, regarding the authority and responsibilities of this entity.
Opinion concerning custodial right to public documents in Chester County when the county does not have an office of mesne conveyances.
Requested by: Joan Elizabeth Winters, Esquire
Opinion on dual office holding (serves on the Mental Health Commission and be a member for Berkeley County School Board District No. 3).
Requested by Ms. Joan Moore, Goose Creek.
Opinion on the legality of a Town of Summerville sign ordinance. Specifically “Can the Town enforce the sign ordinance for those signs placed in our corporate boundaries, but within county or state rights-of-way?”
Requested by Mr. Dennis Pieper, Town Administrator, Town of Summerville.
Opinion regarding the home rule act, once a municipality enacts one form of government, i.e. section 5-11-20, specifically the Council form of government can a later council by ordinance give the Mayor the strong Mayor powers of section 5-9-20, et seq.
Opinion “concerning payment of filing fees for the office of the President of the United States from the State Republican Party to the South Carolina Election Commission.”
Requested by: The Honorable Nikki Randhawa Haley, Member, House of Representatives
Opinion regarding the continued applicability of an opinion issued in 1989 to Senator Isadore Lourie on the county election commission firing and hiring its employees.
Requested by: The Honorable David R. Hiott, Member, House of Representatives
Opinion pertaining to the election of officers to the Fairfield County School Board regarding the terms of office for the Board’s Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Secretary.
Opinion concerning implementation of pay increases for the Town’s council and mayor.
Requested by: John B. Williams, Esquire
Opinion as to whether a particular individual is eligible to serve on the South Carolina Department of Transportation’s Commission.
Requested by: The Honorable William H. O’Dell, Member, SC Senate
Opinion concerning whether those elected to fill vacancies created on the South Carolina Department of Transportation Commission “are eligible for election to full four-year terms at the expiration of their current partial terms.”
Requested by: Linda C. McDonald, Chief Counsel, S.C. Department of Transportation
Opinion concerning the governance of the Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commission and the Charleston County Board of Elections and Voter Registration.
Follow-up opinion to a July 18, 2007 opinion regarding whether an individual can vote in the Democratic Presidential Primary and vote Republican in the general election. The new question is whether an individual may vote in the Democratic Presidential Primary and also vote in the Republican Primary for local and state offices.
Opinion asking “if an individual votes in the presidential primaries as a Democrat, can the same individual vote Republican in the general election?”
Requested by: The Honorable Randy Scott, Member, House of Representatives
Opinion regarding section 7-13-1620(A) as to whether the Commission may approve a voting system for use in South Carolina.
Opinion “regarding the limits on the ability of a local municipality to use condemnation authority to acquire private property for redevelopment.”
Opinion concerning the eligibility of Town employees to serve as poll workers for municipal elections.
Opinion concerning a change in election dates and if this violates section 5-7-170 of the Southe Carolina Code.
Opinion as to the legality of a proposed joint resolution. “Changing the date for a sales and use tax referendum held during the 2006 General Election from no later than November 30, 2006 to December 10, 2006”…”only applies to Beaufort County”.
Requested by: The Honorable Richard E. Chalk, Member, House of Representatives
Opinion regarding the use of Eminent Domain in the Town of Mount Pleasant. “While Charleston County is certainly the holder of ½ cents sales tax monies, can they promulgate rules and procedures which were not specifically authorized in the referendum ballot question and/or which contradict existing law (Eminent Domain, Title 28 of the South Carolina Code of Laws).”
Opinion concerning the membership qualifications for the Rural Community Water District of Georgetown County.
Opinion on the clarification of S.C. Code Ann. 43-25-10. Regarding being removed as chairman of the board of the State Commission for the Blind without cause.
Requested by: Montye M. DuBose, Member, State Commission for the Blind
Opinion considering the constitutionality of section 5-31-620 of the South Carolina Code.
Requested by: Margaret C. Pope, Esquire
Opinion concerning being “elected Mayor Pro Tem by the Latta Town Council following the suspension of Mayor Lanue Berry, and the resignation of Mayor Pro Tem Christy Berry”, and having authority to reappoint members to committees as acting Mayor for the Town of Latta.
Requested by: The Honorable Alexander J. Stoops, Jr., Mayor Pro Tem, Town of Latta
Opinion regarding S.C. Supreme Court decision Sloan v. Hardee, et al. and S.C. Code section 57-1-320 prohibiting a SCDOT Commissioner from serving a consecutive term of office.
Requested by: The Honorable Tee Hooper, Chairman, S.C. Transportation Commission