South Carolina bill H5355 mandates closed primaries, allowing only registered party members to vote in partisan primaries starting January 1, 2027.

South Carolina bill H5355 amends state election laws to enforce closed primaries, meaning only registered members of a political party can vote in that party's primary election or advisory referendum. The bill requires the State Election Commission to assist county boards in informing voters about these procedures and mandates that voter registration applications include political party affiliation. Starting January 1, 2027, only registered party members can vote in partisan primaries unless a party decides to open its primary to unaffiliated voters.

South Carolina bill H5355 mandates closed primaries, allowing only registered party members to vote in partisan primaries starting January 1, 2027.

South Carolina bill H5355 amends state election laws to enforce closed primaries, meaning only registered members of a political party can vote in that party's primary election or advisory referendum. The bill requires the State Election Commission to assist county boards in informing voters about these procedures and mandates that voter registration applications include political party affiliation. Starting January 1, 2027, only registered party members can vote in partisan primaries unless a party decides to open its primary to unaffiliated voters.