South Carolina Republicans Miss May 26 Redistricting Deadline as 13,159 Ballots Go Out Under Old Lines
Updated
Updated · The Post and Courier · May 23
South Carolina Republicans Miss May 26 Redistricting Deadline as 13,159 Ballots Go Out Under Old Lines
6 articles · Updated · The Post and Courier · May 23
A final Senate vote on South Carolina’s congressional map now is expected late Tuesday or Wednesday, after Republicans conceded they cannot enact it before early voting starts Tuesday.
Two-day cloture rules, a failed Friday motion and 43 Democratic amendments consumed the timetable; even a successful Saturday cloture vote came too late to get the bill to Gov. Henry McMaster before May 26.
13,159 absentee ballots have already been mailed under the current districts, with 4,078 returned, raising the prospect that lawmakers could invalidate votes already cast if new lines trigger an Aug. 18 special primary.
Democrats are urging supporters to vote early to strengthen an expected court challenge, while Republicans face added scrutiny after Shane Massey said the draft included obsolete precincts—a claim the map’s consultant disputed.
Opponents say pressing ahead could waste up to $10 million and deepen voter confusion, prompting Senate Minority Leader Brad Hutto to argue lawmakers should abandon the effort.
What is the real impact on voters when redrawing district lines costs millions and delays elections?
How has a recent Supreme Court ruling reshaped the battle over fair election maps across the country?
Could independent commissions and technology end the cycle of costly legal fights over redistricting?