Amends South Carolina election laws to require party affiliation for primary voting and changes independent voter status.

This bill amends South Carolina election laws to require voters to be registered with a certified political party or as an independent to vote in a primary election. It mandates that those who fail to select a party affiliation are deemed independent. Independent voters who participate in a primary election become registered with the party they voted for for two years. The bill also requires the State Election Commission to assist county entities in maintaining voter registration data by party affiliation. The changes apply to primaries conducted after May 31, 2026.

Amends South Carolina election laws to require party affiliation for primary voting and changes independent voter status.

This bill amends South Carolina election laws to require voters to be registered with a certified political party or as an independent to vote in a primary election. It mandates that those who fail to select a party affiliation are deemed independent. Independent voters who participate in a primary election become registered with the party they voted for for two years. The bill also requires the State Election Commission to assist county entities in maintaining voter registration data by party affiliation. The changes apply to primaries conducted after May 31, 2026.