Legislation that would have created early voting in South Carolina died in the Statehouse this past year, but several Republicans and Democrats say one such proposal could gain traction next year. A House bill that would let voters head to the polls 15 days before primaries and general elections was supported by eight Republicans and seven Democrats as well as state party leaders. Passing such a bill would put the state in line with neighboring Georgia and North Carolina, both of which have early voting. Currently, if South Carolina voters wish to vote before Election Day they need to cite one of 16 reasons, such as work or vacation, in order to vote by absentee ballot, either through the mail or in person at their county election commission office.
“I would love to see a system to allow people to vote early, without an excuse, by simply going to the polls and voting early with polling hours expanded to the weekend,” Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter, D-Orangeburg, said. “What are people afraid of by allowing people to vote in a convenient manner?”
Though Democrats are more vocal on voting rights issues, the blame is somewhat bipartisan, Winthrop University political science professor Scott Huffmon said, especially in swing districts.
Full Article: S.C. Republicans, Democrats support early voting measure – Post and Courier.