reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 7 - Elections › Chapter 17 - Canvass Of Votes; Certificates And Records Of Results › Section 7-17-530. Hearing by county executive committee.

The executive committee shall hear the protest or contest on Thursday following the deadline for filing the protest or contest. Testimony at the hearing of the protest shall be limited to the grounds stated in the written protest.
The protestant and each other candidate in the protested race have the right to be present at the hearing set by the committee, to be represented by counsel, to examine and cross-examine witnesses, and to produce evidence relevant to the grounds of protest.
The chairman of the committee must conduct the hearing as nearly as possible in accordance with the procedures and rules of evidence observed by the circuit courts of this State. The chairman has authority to administer oaths and subpoena witnesses. Upon the conclusion of the hearing on the protests, the committee shall determine all issues by majority vote and forthwith certify the results of the election. The State Election Commission shall pay for the costs of the court reporter and the transcript of the hearing. This transcript must be filed with the appropriate state executive committee no later than 10:00 a.m. Saturday next following the decision of the county executive committee.
The committee must remain in session until a conclusion has been reached. All candidates in the protested or contested race and the chairman of the state executive committee must be immediately notified of the decision.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 23-492.1; 1968 (55) 2316; 1997 Act No. 63, Section 2, eff June 10, 1997.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 7 - Elections › Chapter 17 - Canvass Of Votes; Certificates And Records Of Results › Section 7-17-540. Right to and notice of appeal from decision of county executive committee.

The decision of the county executive committee may be appealed to the State executive committee by any candidate adversely affected thereby. Notice of such appeal and the grounds thereof shall be made not later than three o'clock P.M., Friday next following such decision by serving such notice on the chairman of the State committee. Provided, that service may be perfected by depositing at the office of the Chief of the State Law Enforcement Division a copy of the notice and grounds of appeal. A sufficient number of copies to be served upon all candidates in the protested race shall also be delivered to the county sheriff. Such officers shall take all steps necessary to deliver the notices to the respective parties.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 23-492.2; 1968 (55) 2316.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 7 - Elections › Chapter 17 - Canvass Of Votes; Certificates And Records Of Results › Section 7-17-550. Hearing of appeals by state executive committee.

The state executive committee must meet in Columbia not later than twelve noon on Saturday next following the filing of any notice perfected under Section 7-17-540 for the purpose of hearing appeals. The appellant and each other candidate in the protested race have the right to be present at the hearing, to be represented by counsel, and to be heard on the merits of the appeal. The state committee is bound by the facts as determined by the county committee. However, if in the opinion of at least eighteen members of the state committee the facts should be reviewed, then a hearing de novo must be held by the state committee. In the event of a review of the facts, the state committee may receive any new evidence or exhibits as it in its discretion considers necessary to determine the appeal. The state committee must remain in session until all appeals have been disposed of. The State Election Commission shall pay for the costs of the court reporter and the transcript of the hearing.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 23-492.3; 1968 (55) 2316; 1997 Act No. 63, Section 3, eff June 10, 1997.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 7 - Elections › Chapter 17 - Canvass Of Votes; Certificates And Records Of Results › Section 7-17-560. State executive committee to hear certain protests and contests; place of hearing; filing; notice and service.

The state executive committee must meet in Columbia at such place as may be designated by the chairman to hear and decide protests and contests that may arise in the case of federal officers, state officers, State Senate, State House of Representatives, and officers involving more than one county. Any protest or contest must be filed in writing with the chairman of the committee, together with a copy for each candidate in the race, not later than noon on Monday following the canvassing of the votes for these officers by the committee. However, service upon the chairman may be perfected by depositing at the office of the Chief of the State Law Enforcement Division a copy of the protest, together with a copy for each candidate in the race. The chief must take immediate steps to deliver these copies to the chairman. The protest must contain each ground thereof stated separately and concisely. The chairman of the committee must forthwith serve upon each candidate in the protested race a copy of the protest and serve a notice of the time and place of the meeting of the committee for the purposes of hearing the protest.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 23-492.5; 1968 (55) 2316; 1997 Act No. 63, Section 4, eff June 10, 1997.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 7 - Elections › Chapter 17 - Canvass Of Votes; Certificates And Records Of Results › Section 7-17-570. Procedure for hearing protest or contest; notice of decision.

The executive committee shall hear the protest or contest on Thursday following the deadline for filing the same. Testimony at the hearing shall be limited to the grounds stated in the written protest.
The protestant and each other candidate in the protested race shall have the right to be present at the hearing, to be represented by counsel, to examine and cross-examine witnesses and to produce evidence relevant to the grounds of the protest. The chairman of the committee shall provide for and conduct the hearing as nearly as possible in accordance with the procedures and rules of evidence observed by the circuit courts of this State. The chairman shall have authority to administer oaths and subpoena witnesses. Upon the conclusion of the hearing of the protest the committee shall determine all issues by majority vote and forthwith certify the results of the election. The State Election Commission shall pay for the costs of the court reporter and the transcript of the hearing.
The committee shall remain in session until a conclusion has been reached. All candidates in the protested or contested race shall be immediately notified of the committee's decision.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 23-492.6; 1968 (55) 2316; 1992 Act No. 253, Section 12, eff February 19, 1992.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 7 - Elections › Chapter 17 - Canvass Of Votes; Certificates And Records Of Results › Section 7-17-580. Appeal of protests and contests in municipal primaries.

In every political primary election held by any political party, organization or association in any of the cities or towns of this State for the purpose of choosing candidates for offices therein or the election of delegates to conventions thereof, the decision of any protest or contest that may arise shall be subject to appeal to the Board of State Canvassers of Municipal Primaries of this State herein provided for, and upon such appeal it shall be the duty of the committee or canvassing officers from whose decision such appeal may be made to transmit to said Board any protest and all papers relating to the election, with a copy of any evidence taken before them within ten days from their first meeting to canvass the returns of managers of such election.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 23-493; 1952 Code Section 23-493; 1950 (46) 2059.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 7 - Elections › Chapter 17 - Canvass Of Votes; Certificates And Records Of Results › Section 7-17-590. Board of State Canvassers for Municipal Primaries.

The State executive committee of every political party in this State which may have such a committee shall immediately after its appointment elect from its body a committee of one from each congressional district which shall constitute the Board of State Canvassers for Municipal Primaries, each of whom, before hearing any appeal, shall take and subscribe an oath that he will fairly, impartially and honestly decide such an appeal. The board shall, upon collection by their chairman of the estimated amount of the expenses of such appeal from the person or persons making it, decide as judicial officers all cases under protest or contest that may come before them on appeal from any decision of such committees or canvassing officers from whose decisions appeal is made upon the papers transmitted to them by such committees or canvassing officers, and the person or persons declared by the board to be nominated at such election shall be the nominee or nominees of such political party in the respective elections for which such nominations were made. Any vacancies in said board shall be filled by the State executive committee or, in case it should not be in session, by the chairman of the State executive committee. The members of said board shall serve until the meeting of the next State executive committee. A majority of the members of the board shall constitute a quorum at any meeting.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 23-494; 1952 Code Section 23-494; 1950 (46) 2059.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 7 - Elections › Chapter 17 - Canvass Of Votes; Certificates And Records Of Results › Section 7-17-600. No candidate shall be declared nominated in first primary without majority vote.

No candidate shall be declared nominated in a first primary election unless he received a majority of the votes cast for the office for which he was a candidate. The question of a majority vote shall be determined by the number of votes cast for any particular office and not by the whole number of votes cast in the primary.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 23-496; 1952 Code Section 23-496; 1950 (46) 2059.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 7 - Elections › Chapter 17 - Canvass Of Votes; Certificates And Records Of Results › Section 7-17-610. What constitutes majority vote.

It is the intent of the South Carolina General Assembly that the following method be used in determining what candidates have received a majority vote for a particular office and are thereby entitled to be nominated on the first ballot according to the terms of Sections 7-17-600 and 7-13-50.
(1) If a candidate for a single office is to be selected, and there is more than one person seeking nomination, the majority shall be ascertained by dividing the total vote cast for all candidates by two. Any excess of the sum so ascertained shall be a majority, and the candidate who obtains a majority shall be declared the nominee.
(2) If nominees for two or more offices (constituting a group) are to be selected, and there are more persons seeking nomination than there are offices, the majority shall be ascertained by dividing the total vote cast for all candidates by the number of positions to be filled, and by dividing the result by two. Any excess of the sum so ascertained shall be a majority, and the candidates who obtain a majority shall be declared the nominees in the first primary. If more candidates obtain a majority than there are positions to be filled, those having the highest vote (equal to the number of positions to be filled) shall be declared the nominees.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 23-496.1; 1972 (57) 3087.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 7 - Elections › Chapter 17 - Canvass Of Votes; Certificates And Records Of Results › Section 7-17-620. Unopposed candidates declared nominees.

All unopposed candidates in primary elections shall be declared the nominees of the party by the respective State or county committees.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 23-497; 1952 Code Section 23-497; 1950 (46) 2059.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 7 - Elections › Chapter 17 - Canvass Of Votes; Certificates And Records Of Results › Section 7-17-700. Continuation of protest in event of death of candidate in primary or nonpartisan election.

If any candidate in a primary or nonpartisan election dies after the election but before the time for filing a protest or dies after a protest has been timely filed, his political party or a representative duly appointed by the court may file or continue the protest on his behalf. The authority reviewing the protest may then certify the results and deny the protest or uphold the protest in which case it must order a new election. In this event, additional filings of candidacy will be allowed and a new election held in the manner the authority responsible for conducting the election provides.
HISTORY: 1986 Act No. 357, eff March 28, 1986.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 7 - Elections › Chapter 17 - Canvass Of Votes; Certificates And Records Of Results › Section 7-17-710. Continuation of protest in event of death of candidate in special or general election.

If any candidate in a special or general election dies after the election but before the time for filing a protest or dies after a protest has been timely filed, his political party or a representative duly appointed by the court may file or continue the protest on his behalf. The authority reviewing the protest may then certify the results and deny the protest or uphold the protest in which case it must order a new election. In this event, additional filings of candidacy are allowed and a new election held in the manner the authority responsible for conducting the election provides.
HISTORY: 1986 Act No. 357, eff March 28, 1986.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 7 - Elections › Chapter 19 - Special Provisions Applicable To Federal Elections › Section 7-19-10. Election of United States Senators.

A United States Senator shall be elected at the general election next preceding the expiration of the term of any United States Senator from this State.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 23-551; 1952 Code Section 23-551; 1942 Code Section 2331; 1932 Code Section 2331; Civ. C. '22 Section 264; 1914 (29) 592; 1942 (42) 1520.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 7 - Elections › Chapter 19 - Special Provisions Applicable To Federal Elections › Section 7-19-20. Filling vacancies in office of United States Senator.

In case of a vacancy in the office of United States Senator from death, resignation or otherwise, the Governor may fill the place by appointment which shall be for the period of time intervening between the date of such appointment and January third following the next succeeding general election. But in the event any such vacancy shall occur less than one hundred days prior to any general election, the appointment shall be for the period of time intervening between the date of such appointment and January third following the second general election next succeeding. The Governor shall within five days after any such appointment order an election to be held in connection with and at the time of the general election immediately preceding the expiration date of such appointment if at the expiration of such appointment an unexpired term shall remain.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 23-552; 1952 Code Section 23-552; 1942 Code Section 2331; 1932 Code Section 2331; Civ. C. '22 Section 264; 1914 (29) 592; 1942 (42) 1520.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 7 - Elections › Chapter 19 - Special Provisions Applicable To Federal Elections › Section 7-19-30. Election of Representatives in Congress.

Representatives in the House of Representatives of the Congress of the United States shall be chosen at each general election in the several congressional districts by the qualified voters thereof.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 23-553; 1952 Code Section 23-553; 1942 Code Section 2332; 1932 Code Section 2332; Civ. C. '22 Section 265; Civ. C. '12 Section 262; Civ. C. '02 Section 236; G. S. 112; R. S. 194; 1882 (17) 1117 Section 25.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 7 - Elections › Chapter 19 - Special Provisions Applicable To Federal Elections › Section 7-19-35. Repealed.

HISTORY: Former Section, titled Division of state into congressional districts, had the following history: 2011 Act No. 75, Pt II, Section 2, eff August 1, 2011. Repealed by 2022 Act No. 118, Pt II, Section 2, eff January 26, 2022.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 7 - Elections › Chapter 19 - Special Provisions Applicable To Federal Elections › Section 7-19-50. Each congressional district shall elect one member of Congress; procedure after new apportionment.

Until the next apportionment be made by the Congress of the United States, each of such congressional districts shall be entitled to elect one member to represent this State in the Congress of the United States. After such new apportionment by Congress the General Assembly shall divide the State into as many congressional districts as the State is entitled to members in the House of Representatives.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 23-555; 1952 Code Section 23-555; 1942 Code Section 2334; 1932 Code Section 2334; Civ. C. '22 Section 267; Civ. C. '12 Section 264; Civ. C. '02 Section 238; G. S. 142; R. S. 196; 1882 (17) 1122 Section 5.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 7 - Elections › Chapter 19 - Special Provisions Applicable To Federal Elections › Section 7-19-60. Writs of election in case State is given more representatives.

In case the Congress of the United States shall by any new apportionment give to this State more than six members of the House of Representatives and the General Assembly shall not be in session, the Governor shall by proclamation issue writs of election for congressmen at large, one or more, as the case may be.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 23-556; 1952 Code Section 23-556; 1942 Code Section 2335; 1932 Code Section 2335; Civ. C. '22 Section 268; Civ. C. '12 Section 265; Civ. C. '02 Section 238; G. S. 142; R. S. 196; 1882 (17) 1122 Section 5.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 7 - Elections › Chapter 19 - Special Provisions Applicable To Federal Elections › Section 7-19-80. Candidate for elector shall declare for which candidates he will vote; elector shall vote for candidates for whom he declared.

Each candidate for presidential and vice-presidential elector shall declare which candidate for president and vice-president he will vote for if elected. Those elected shall vote for the president and vice-president candidates for whom they declared. Any person selected to fill a vacancy in the electoral college shall vote for the candidates the elector whose place he is taking had declared for. The declaration shall be made to the Secretary of State on such form as he may require not later than sixty days prior to the general election for electors. No candidate for president and vice-president elector shall have his name placed on the ballot who fails to make such declaration by the prescribed time. Any elector who votes contrary to the provisions of this section shall be deemed guilty of violating the election laws of this State and upon conviction shall be punished according to law. Any registered elector shall have the right to institute proper action to require compliance with the provisions of this section. The Attorney General shall institute criminal action for any violation of the provision of this section. Provided, the executive committee of the party from which an elector of the electoral college was elected may relieve the elector from the obligation to vote for a specific candidate when, in its judgment, circumstances shall have arisen which, in the opinion of the committee, it would not be in the best interest of the State for the elector to cast his ballot for such a candidate.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 23-557.1; 1971 (57) 270.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 7 - Elections › Chapter 19 - Special Provisions Applicable To Federal Elections › Section 7-19-90. Meeting of electors; organization; balloting and certification of results.

(A) The electors for President and Vice President shall convene at the capitol, in the office of the Secretary of State, at eleven in the forenoon, on the first Tuesday after the second Wednesday in December next following their appointment, and shall proceed to effect a permanent organization by the election of a president and secretary from their own body. The electors shall next proceed to fill by ballot and by plurality of votes all vacancies in the electoral college occasioned by the death, refusal to serve, or neglect to attend, of any elector. The electors shall then and there vote by ballot for President and Vice President, one of whom at least shall not be an inhabitant of the same state with themselves.
(B) The electors shall make and sign six certificates of all the votes given by them for President and Vice President, each of which certificates shall contain two distinct lists, one of the votes for President and the other for Vice President, and shall annex to each of the certificates of votes one of the certificates of ascertainment of appointment of electors which shall have been furnished to them by direction of the Governor.
(C) The electors shall seal up the certificates of votes so made by them, together with the annexed certificates of ascertainment of appointment of electors, and certify upon each that the list of all the votes of the State given for President, and of all of the votes given for Vice President, are contained therein.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 23-558; 1952 Code Section 23-558; 1942 Code Section 2343; 1932 Code Section 2343; Civ. C. '22 Section 276; Civ. C. '12 Section 273; Civ. C. '02 Section 246; G. S. 153; R. S. 204; 1882 (17) 1124 Section 66; 1885 (19) 25 Section 1; 1889 (20) 365; 1936 (39) 1651; 1961 (52) 246; 2023 Act No. 27 (S.405), Section 2, eff May 16, 2023.
Effect of Amendment
2023 Act No. 27, Section 2, inserted the (A) and (B) designators; in (A), in the first sentence, substituted "Tuesday" for "Monday", and made a nonsubstantive change; rewrote (B); and added (C).
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 7 - Elections › Chapter 19 - Special Provisions Applicable To Federal Elections › Section 7-19-100. Disposition of certificates of electors.

(A) The electors shall immediately transmit at the same time and by the most expeditious method available the certificates of votes so made by them, together with the annexed certificates of ascertainment of appointment of electors, as follows:
(1) One set shall be sent to the to the President of the Senate of the United States at the seat of government.
(2) Two sets shall be sent to the Executive Director of the State Election Commission, one of which shall be held subject to the order of the President of the Senate of the United States, the other to be preserved by the Executive Director of the State Election Commission for one year and shall be a part of the public records of the State Election Commission and shall be open to public inspection.
(3) Two sets shall be sent to the Archivist of the United States at the seat of government.
(4) One set shall be sent to the judge of the district in which the electors shall have assembled.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 23-559; 1952 Code Section 23-559; 1942 Code Section 2345; 1932 Code Section 2345; Civ. C. '22 Section 278; Civ. C. '12 Section 275; Civ. C. '02 Section 248; G. S. 155; R. S. 206; 1882 (17) 1124 Section 68; 1889 (20) 365; 1961 (52) 246; 2023 Act No. 27 (S.405), Section 3, eff May 16, 2023.
Effect of Amendment
2023 Act No. 27, Section 3, rewrote the section.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 7 - Elections › Chapter 19 - Special Provisions Applicable To Federal Elections › Section 7-19-110. Compensation and expenses of electors.

Every elector for this State for the election of a president and vice-president of the United States who shall attend at any election of those officers and give his vote at the time and place appointed by law shall be entitled to receive for his attendance at such election and for traveling to and from his place of residence by the most usual route the regular mileage, subsistence and per diem allowance authorized for state boards, committees and commissions to be paid from appropriations to the office of the Secretary of State.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 23-563; 1952 Code Section 23-563; 1942 Code Section 2349; 1932 Code Section 2349; Civ. C. '22 Section 282; Civ. C. '12 Section 279; Civ. C. '02 Section 252; G. S. 159; R. S. 210; 1882 (17) 1125; 1915 (29) 178; 1982 Act No. 333, eff April 9, 1982.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 7 - Elections › Chapter 19 - Special Provisions Applicable To Federal Elections › Section 7-19-120. Duties of state officials.

The Governor, Secretary of State and other State officers shall perform such duties and functions in respect to the election of electors, the election of the President and Vice-President of the United States and certification of electors and results of such election as provided by the acts of Congress in relation thereto.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 23-564; 1952 Code Section 23-564; 1942 Code Section 2344; 1932 Code Section 2344; Civ. C. '22 Section 277; Civ. C. '12 Section 274; Civ. C. '02 Section 247; G. S. 154; R. S. 205; 1882 (17) 1124 Section 67; 1889 (20) 365; 1936 (39) 1651.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 7 - Elections › Chapter 21 - Special Provisions Applicable To Election Of State Senators And Members Of House Of Representatives › Section 7-21-10. No person shall seek more than one office of State Senator in any year.

No person shall be permitted to seek more than one office of State Senator in any election year.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 23-281; 1966 (54) 2093.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 7 - Elections › Chapter 21 - Special Provisions Applicable To Election Of State Senators And Members Of House Of Representatives › Section 7-21-20. Elections for State Senator shall be district-wide.

The election for the office of State Senator in all senatorial districts shall be district-wide.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 23-282; 1966 (54) 2093.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 7 - Elections › Chapter 21 - Special Provisions Applicable To Election Of State Senators And Members Of House Of Representatives › Section 7-21-50. Application of provisions of this Title to office of State Senator and member of House of Representatives.

All of the provisions of Title 7 of the 1976 Code governing a State office shall apply to the offices of State Senator and of member of the House of Representatives except in those instances in which special provision is made for such offices and in those instances such special provisions shall control.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 23-287; 1966 (54) 2093; 1974 (58) 2124.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 7 - Elections › Chapter 23 - Election Expenses › Section 7-23-10. Expenses of general election officers.

Each commissioner or board member of state and county general elections shall receive as expenses an amount as appropriated in the annual state general appropriations act, payable quarterly, and is entitled to election-day mileage as provided by law for state employees. Managers and clerks of general elections shall receive a per diem as is provided in the annual state general appropriations act.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 23-601; 1952 Code Section 23-601; 1942 Code Section 2316; 1932 Code Section 2316; Civ. C. '22 Section 250; Civ. C. '12 Section 248; Civ. C. '02 Section 222; G. S. 126, 152; R. S. 180; 1882 (17) 1100; 1883 (18) 260; 1966 (54) 2243; 1984 Act No. 288, eff March 5, 1984; 1990 Act No. 352, Section 1, eff March 19, 1990.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 7 - Elections › Chapter 23 - Election Expenses › Section 7-23-20. Payment for notices of election.

Notices of election published in any public gazette or county newspaper by authority of the proper board of voter registration and elections, as required by law, shall be paid for at the rates prescribed by law for legal notices.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 23-603; 1952 Code Section 23-603; 1942 Code Section 2316; 1932 Code Section 2316; Civ. C. '22 Section 250; Civ. C. '12 Section 248; Civ. C. '02 Section 222; G. S. 126, 152; R. S. 180; 1882 (17) 1100; 1883 (18) 260.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 7 - Elections › Chapter 23 - Election Expenses › Section 7-23-40. Expenses payable by counties.

The governing bodies of the several counties shall audit and pay all accounts for necessary expenses incurred by the members of the board of voter registration and elections and managers of election for stationery, the making of election boxes, rents and similar expenses in elections held in this State.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 23-605; 1952 Code Section 23-605; 1942 Code Section 2316; 1932 Code Section 2316; Civ. C. '22 Section 250; Civ. C. '12 Section 248; Civ. C. '02 Section 222; G. S. 126, 152; R. S. 180; 1882 (17) 1100; 1883 (18) 260.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 7 - Elections › Chapter 25 - Offenses Against The Election Laws › Section 7-25-10. False swearing in applying for registration.

It is unlawful for a person to falsely swear in making an application for registration under this chapter. A person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined in the discretion of the court or imprisoned not more than three years, or both.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 23-650; 1957 (50) 671; 1993 Act No. 184 Section 135, eff January 1, 1994.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 7 - Elections › Chapter 25 - Offenses Against The Election Laws › Section 7-25-20. Fraudulent registration or voting.

It is unlawful for a person to fraudulently:
(1) procure the registration of a name on the books of registration;
(2) offer or attempt to vote that name;
(3) offer or attempt to vote in violation of this title or under any false pretense as to circumstances affecting his qualifications to vote; or
(4) aid, counsel, or abet another in fraudulent registration or fraudulent offer or attempt to vote.
A person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than one thousand dollars nor more than five thousand dollars and imprisoned not more than five years.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 23-651; 1952 Code Section 23-651; 1950 (46) 2059; 1993 Act No. 184 Section 136, eff January 1, 1994; 2022 Act No. 150 (S.108), Section 26.A, eff May 13, 2022.
Effect of Amendment
2022 Act No. 150, Section 26.A, in the second undesignated paragraph, substituted "felony" for "misdemeanor", "one thousand dollars" for "one hundred dollars", "five thousand dollars and" for "five hundred dollars or", and "five years" for "one year, or both".
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 7 - Elections › Chapter 25 - Offenses Against The Election Laws › Section 7-25-30. Public reporting hotline.

The State Law Enforcement Division shall establish a public reporting hotline telephone number and email address for receiving reports of possible election fraud or other violations of the election laws of this State. It shall promptly review all reported violations and take action as it determines appropriate.
HISTORY: 2022 Act No. 150 (S.108), Section 22, eff May 13, 2022.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 7 - Elections › Chapter 25 - Offenses Against The Election Laws › Section 7-25-50. Bribery at elections; unlawful to accept bribery.

It is unlawful for a person to procure, by the payment, delivery, or promise of money or other article of value, another to vote for or against any particular candidate or measure at any election held within this State, whether general, special, or primary, for members of the Congress of the United States, members of the General Assembly of this State, sheriff, clerk, judge of probate or other county officer, mayor, and aldermen of any city or intendant and wardens of any incorporated town, or at any other election held within this State. It is also unlawful for a person to accept such procurements. The person promising and the person voting are each guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, for the first offense, must be fined not less than one hundred dollars nor more than five hundred dollars and imprisoned not more than five years. Upon conviction for a second or subsequent offense, the person must be fined not less than five hundred dollars nor more than five thousand dollars and imprisoned not more than ten years.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 23-654; 1952 Code Section 23-654; 1950 (46) 2059; 1993 Act No. 184 Section 10, eff January 1, 1994.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 7 - Elections › Chapter 25 - Offenses Against The Election Laws › Section 7-25-60. Procuring or offering to procure votes by bribery.

(A) It is unlawful for a person at any election to:
(1) procure, or offer or propose to procure, another, by the payment, delivery, or promise of money or other article of value, to vote for or against any particular candidate or measure; or
(2) vote, offer, or propose to vote for or against any particular candidate or measure for the consideration of money or other article of value paid, delivered, or promised, vote or offer or propose to vote for or against any particular candidate or measure.
(B) A person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a felony. Upon conviction for a first offense, the person must be fined in the discretion of the court and imprisoned not more than five years. Upon conviction for a second or subsequent offense, the person must be fined in the discretion of the court and imprisoned not more than ten years.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 23-655; 1952 Code Section 23-655; 1950 (46) 2059; 1993 Act No. 184 Section 11, eff January 1, 1994.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 7 - Elections › Chapter 25 - Offenses Against The Election Laws › Section 7-25-65. Unlawful acceptance of anything of value.

(A) It is unlawful for a person to provide, offer to provide, or accept anything of value in exchange for requesting, collecting, or delivering an absentee ballot. A person who violates this section is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than one thousand dollars nor more than five thousand dollars and imprisoned not more than five years.
(B) This section does not apply to an election official in the course and scope of the election official's duties or a public or private mail service provider acting in the course and scope of the mail service provider's duties to carry and deliver mail.
HISTORY: 2022 Act No. 150 (S.108), Section 38, eff May 13, 2022.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 7 - Elections › Chapter 25 - Offenses Against The Election Laws › Section 7-25-70. Procuring or offering to procure votes by threats.

It is unlawful for a person, by threats or any other form of intimidation, to procure, offer, or promise to endeavor to procure another to vote for or against any particular candidate in any election. A person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than one hundred dollars nor more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than three years, or both.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 23-656; 1952 Code Section 23-656; 1950 (46) 2059; 1993 Act No. 184 Section 137, eff January 1, 1994.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 7 - Elections › Chapter 25 - Offenses Against The Election Laws › Section 7-25-80. Threatening, intimidating, or abusing voters.

A person who, at any of the elections, general, special, or primary, in any city, town, ward, or polling precinct, threatens, mistreats, or abuses a voter with a view to control or intimidate him in the free exercise of his right of suffrage, is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be fined in the discretion of the court or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 23-657; 1952 Code Section 23-657; 1950 (46) 2059; 1993 Act No. 184 Section 12, eff January 1, 1994.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 7 - Elections › Chapter 25 - Offenses Against The Election Laws › Section 7-25-100. Allowing ballot to be seen, removing ballot from voting place, improper assistance, and related offenses.

(A) It is unlawful in any election for a voter to:
(1) allow his ballot to be seen by a person, except as provided by law;
(2) take, remove, or attempt to take or remove a ballot from the polling place before the close of the polls;
(3) place a mark upon his ballot by which it may be identified;
(4) take into the election booth a mechanical device to enable him to mark his ballot; or
(5) remain longer than the specified time allowed by law in the booth or compartment after having been notified that his time has expired and requested by a manager to leave the compartment or booth.
(B) It is unlawful for a person to:
(1) interfere with a voter who is inside of the polling place or is marking his ballot;
(2) unduly influence or attempt to influence unduly a voter in the preparation of his ballot;
(3) endeavor to induce a voter to show how he marks or has marked his ballot; or
(4) aid or attempt to aid a voter by means of any mechanical device in marking his ballot.
(C) A person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than one hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than one year.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 23-659; 1952 Code Section 23-659; 1950 (46) 2059; 1993 Act No. 184 Section 138, eff January 1, 1994.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 7 - Elections › Chapter 25 - Offenses Against The Election Laws › Section 7-25-110. Voting more than once at elections.

It is unlawful for a person qualified to vote at any general, special, or primary election for an office whether local, state, or federal to vote more than once at such election, for the same office. A person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than one thousand dollars nor more than five thousand dollars and imprisoned not more than five years.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 23-660; 1952 Code Section 23-660; 1950 (46) 2059; 1993 Act No. 184 Section 139, eff January 1, 1994; 2022 Act No. 150 (S.108), Section 26.B, eff May 13, 2022.
Effect of Amendment
2022 Act No. 150, Section 26.B, in the second sentence, substituted "felony" for "misdemeanor" and "not less than one thousand dollars nor more than five thousand dollars and imprisoned not more than five years" for "in the discretion of the court or imprisoned not more than three years".
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 7 - Elections › Chapter 25 - Offenses Against The Election Laws › Section 7-25-120. Impersonating a voter.

It is unlawful for a person to impersonate or attempt to impersonate another person for the purpose of voting in a general, special, or primary election, whether municipal or state. A person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be imprisoned not more than five years and fined not less than one thousand dollars nor more than five thousand dollars. When a person who violates the provisions of this section is placed under bond, the bond may not be less than six hundred dollars nor more than twelve hundred dollars.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 23-661; 1952 Code Section 23-661; 1950 (46) 2059; 1993 Act No. 184 Section 140, eff January 1, 1994; 2022 Act No. 150 (S.108), Section 26.C, eff May 13, 2022.
Effect of Amendment
2022 Act No. 150, Section 26.C, in the first sentence, substituted "state" for "State", and in the second sentence, substituted "felony" for "misdemeanor" and "five years and fined not less than one thousand dollars nor more than five thousand dollars" for "three years or fined not less than three hundred dollars nor more than twelve hundred dollars, or both".
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 7 - Elections › Chapter 25 - Offenses Against The Election Laws › Section 7-25-130. Arrest of person who impersonates a voter.

If any manager of election of this State report to the sheriff or other peace officer that a person has violated Section 7-25-120 such peace officer shall arrest such person and have a proper warrant sworn out. Any sheriff or police officer refusing to make an arrest when demand is made by the proper authorities for any violation of Section 7-25-120 shall be subject to prosecution in the court of general sessions for malfeasance in office.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 23-662; 1952 Code Section 23-662; 1950 (46) 2059.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 7 - Elections › Chapter 25 - Offenses Against The Election Laws › Section 7-25-140. Copies of certain election laws may be posted.

The authority responsible under law for conducting a party primary and the board of voter registration and elections or other electoral board in general and special elections in their discretion may post, or cause to be posted, a copy of Sections 7-25-120 to 7-25-140, printed on cardboard in as large type as a board twelve by twelve inches will carry, in each polling precinct.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 23-663; 1952 Code Section 23-663; 1950 (46) 2059; 1992 Act No. 253, Section 13, eff February 19, 1992.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 7 - Elections › Chapter 25 - Offenses Against The Election Laws › Section 7-25-150. Swearing falsely at elections or taking oath in another's name.

Any voter who shall swear falsely at any election, general, special or primary, in taking the prescribed oath or shall impersonate another person and take the oath in his name in order to vote shall be guilty of perjury and be punished, upon conviction, as for perjury.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 23-664; 1952 Code Section 23-664; 1950 (46) 2059.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 7 - Elections › Chapter 25 - Offenses Against The Election Laws › Section 7-25-160. Wilful neglect or corrupt conduct on part of poll managers.

A manager at any general, special, or primary election in this State who wilfully violates any of the duties devolved by law upon such position is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than one thousand dollars nor more than five thousand dollars and imprisoned not more than five years. A manager who commits fraud or corruption in the management of such election is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than one thousand dollars nor more than five thousand dollars and imprisoned not more than five years.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 23-665; 1952 Code Section 23-665; 1950 (46) 2059; 1993 Act No. 184 Section 141, eff January 1, 1994; 2022 Act No. 150 (S.108), Section 26.D, eff May 13, 2022.
Effect of Amendment
2022 Act No. 150, Section 26.D, rewrote the section.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 7 - Elections › Chapter 25 - Offenses Against The Election Laws › Section 7-25-170. Wilful neglect or corrupt conduct by officers other than managers.

An officer, other than a manager at any election, on whom a duty is imposed by this title, except under Section 7-13-1170, Articles 1 and 3 of Chapter 17 and Chapters 19 and 23 of this title, who wilfully neglects such duty or engages in corrupt conduct in executing it is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than one thousand dollars nor more than five thousand dollars and imprisoned not more than five years.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 23-666; 1952 Code Section 23-666; 1950 (46) 2059; 1993 Act No. 184 Section 142, eff January 1, 1994; 2022 Act No. 150 (S.108), Section 26.E, eff May 13, 2022.
Effect of Amendment
2022 Act No. 150, Section 26.E, substituted "felony" for "misdemeanor" and "less than one thousand dollars nor more than five thousand dollars and imprisoned not more than five years" for "more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than three years".
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 7 - Elections › Chapter 25 - Offenses Against The Election Laws › Section 7-25-180. Unlawful distribution of campaign literature.

(A) It is unlawful for a person to distribute any type of campaign literature or place any political posters within five hundred feet of any entrance used by the voters to enter the polling place, during polling hours on an election day and during the early voting period. The poll manager shall use every reasonable means to keep the area within five hundred feet of any such entrance clear of political literature and displays, and the county and municipal law enforcement officers, upon request of a poll manager, shall remove or cause to be removed any material within five hundred feet of any such entrance distributed or displayed in violation of this section.
(B) A candidate may wear within five hundred feet of the polling place a label no larger than four and one-fourth inches by four and one-fourth inches that contains the candidate's name and the office he is seeking. If the candidate enters the polling place, he may not display any of this identification including, but not limited to, campaign stickers or buttons.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 23-658.2; 1968 (55) 2316; 1990 Act No. 393, Section 1, eff April 3, 1990; 1996 Act No. 466, Section 10, eff August 21, 1996; 2022 Act No. 150 (S.108), Section 39, eff May 13, 2022.
Effect of Amendment
2022 Act No. 150, Section 39, in (A), rewrote the first sentence, and in the second sentence, substituted "five hundred feet" for "two hundred feet" in two places; and in (B), in the first sentence, substituted "five hundred feet" for "two hundred feet".
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 7 - Elections › Chapter 25 - Offenses Against The Election Laws › Section 7-25-190. Illegal conduct at elections generally.

A person who votes at any general, special, or primary election who is not entitled to vote, or who by force, intimidation, deception, fraud, bribery, or undue influence obtains, procures, or controls the vote of any voter to be cast for any candidate or measure other than as intended or desired by such voter, or who violates any of the provisions of this title in regard to general, special, or primary elections is guilty of a felony. Upon conviction, the person must be fined not less than one hundred nor more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than five years, or both.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 23-667; 1952 Code Section 23-667; 1950 (46) 2059; 1993 Act No. 184 Section 13, eff January 1, 1994.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 7 - Elections › Chapter 25 - Offenses Against The Election Laws › Section 7-25-200. Unlawful inducement to file for or withdraw from candidacy for election.

(A) It is unlawful to offer or accept, or attempt to offer or accept, either directly or indirectly, money, a loan of money, or any other thing of value which includes, but is not limited to, employment or the promise of employment to induce a person to file or withdraw as a candidate for any state or federal elected office.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit legitimate campaign contributions or the pledge to make a campaign contribution as otherwise allowed by law. Nor shall this section prevent a person from paying from his own funds, the filing fee of an immediate family member which means a spouse, child, grandchild, mother, father, sister, or brother.
Any person convicted of violating the provisions of this section shall be fined not more than ten thousand dollars or imprisoned for not more than one year.
(B) The Attorney General or the solicitor of the judicial circuit in which the violation occurred, shall prosecute immediately a person violating the provisions of this section.
(C) Nothing in this section shall preclude appropriate civil remedies by an aggrieved party. The court shall, upon a finding that a person violated the provisions of this section, award reasonable attorney's fees and the costs of bringing such action as determined by the court.
HISTORY: 1992 Act No. 287, Section 1, eff March 17, 1992, (became law without Governor's signature).