Responsive Gov’s Grade TL;DR

Although the South Carolina Legislature did not pass any significant pro-voter reforms this past session, it did secure much-needed funds for local election offices. Therefore, South Carolina received a B on this year’s progress report.

Looking Back

Where South Carolina Started at the Beginning of 2023

• Automatic Voter Registration: No
• Online Voter Registration: DMV ID
• Same-Day Registration: No
• Restoration of Rights: Parole and/or Probation Disenfranchisement
• Vote by Mail: Excuse-Only
• Electronic Registration Information Center Member: Yes
• Early Voting Opportunities: Yes
• ID Requirements: ID Requested, but not Required

Relying on the Cost of Voting Index for South Carolina as of 2022, we considered the state a bottom tier state for pre-existing voting policy and compared its 2023 activity against other bottom tier states.

How Our Tier Compares

• COVI (2022): 43rd
• EPI Score (2020): 24th
• CLC State Scorecard (2022): 4/10
• MAP Democracy Rating (2022): LOW

2023: This Past Year

Legislative Action

The Legislature did not pass any significant election-related laws during the 2023 session. However, it did manage to secure funding for local election offices in the state budget bill.

• H 4300 appropriated additional funding that will go directly to counties for local election administration.