SC senators plan quick return to address COVID-19 voting changes before Election Day
South Carolina’s Senate leader on Monday called a special session to return to the Capitol and pass legislation that will likely expand absentee voting to registered S.C. voters ahead of the Nov. 3 general election because of the ongoing threat of COVID-19.
The decision to call the emergency session on Sept. 2 comes amid lawsuits, including a petition to the S.C. Supreme Court, and a letter from the state’s top election official asking lawmakers to do something to give election officials enough time to prepare.
The state’s voter registration deadline is Oct. 2, and the deadline to apply for absentee by mail ballot is Oct. 30.
South Carolina has logged more than 105,000 COVID-19 cases since March and more than 2,000 people have died as a result.
“If the COVID-19 pandemic is still prevalent in our state, the Senate must make plans to protect the voter and the vote,” Senate President Harvey Peeler, R-Cherokee, wrote in a memo to senators on Monday. “We don’t know what the situation will be like in November, but we need to prepare for safe and secure voting.”
In May, the Legislature quickly passed measures to expand absentee voting to any registered voters before the June primary — no matter their disability, or scheduling conflict or age — because of the virus outbreak and as election officials braced for record turnout in a year where counties were consolidating precincts and poll workers, many of whom are older and vulnerable to the virus, were choosing to stay home instead.
“I am hopeful we can do it again and return later in September to address the remaining legislative business,” Peeler wrote.
The Legislature wasn’t scheduled to return to the State House until mid-September, but Democrats in particular urged legislative leaders to call their respective chambers back earlier.
“When I sent my initial letter three weeks ago, requesting that the Senate be called back to address this important issue, I emphasized that we could not afford to wait,” said Senate Minority Leader Nikki Setzler, D-Lexington. “I appreciate that those concerns were heard, and we are now taking action.”
Unlike the Senate, however, House leaders said Monday they’ll stick with their planned Sept. 15 return.
“Voting is an absolutely essential right, and all South Carolina voters have an expectation of safe and accessible voting processes,” said House Speaker Jay Lucas, R-Darlington. “I anticipate the House will be able to quickly address the issue in our chamber. I understand if the Senate feels it needs additional time to debate this matter. I’m confident that, working together, both chambers will make changes that will protect voters throughout the state.”
Editor’s Note: This article has been updated to reflect when absentee ballots must be applied by.
This story was originally published August 17, 2020 at 11:36 AM with the headline "SC senators plan quick return to address COVID-19 voting changes before Election Day."
CORRECTION: The deadline to apply for absentee by mail ballot for the General Election is Oct. 30. A previous version of the article had an incorrect date. We regret the error.
