South Carolina Constitution Article II - Right of Suffrage
South Carolina Constitution – Article II: Right of Suffrage
Article II of the South Carolina Constitution outlines the rights, qualifications, and procedures related to voting in the state. This article ensures the protection of suffrage and governs how elections are conducted.
🔑 Key Sections and Provisions:
Section 1 – Electors
Defines who is qualified to vote:
Must be a citizen of the United States.
Must be 18 years or older.
Must be a resident of South Carolina and the county or precinct where they intend to vote.
Section 2 – Disqualifications
A person may be disqualified from voting if:
They are mentally incompetent as declared by a court.
They are convicted of a felony or an offense against the election laws, unless their rights are restored.
Section 3 – Privilege from Arrest
Voters are privileged from arrest (except for treason, felony, or breach of the peace) while going to, voting at, or returning from elections.
Section 4 – Registration
The General Assembly is required to establish a registration system to ensure voters meet the necessary qualifications.
Section 5 – Methods of Voting; Protection of Ballot Secrecy
Voting must be by secret ballot to protect voter privacy.
The General Assembly may determine the methods of voting, including electronic or mechanical systems.
Section 6 – Election Offenses
The legislature must provide laws to prevent fraud, bribery, and corruption in elections and ensure the purity of the ballot.
Section 7 – Absentee Voting
Provides for absentee voting methods for voters unable to be physically present at polling places.
The General Assembly may regulate absentee voting procedures.
Section 8 – Voter Identification
The General Assembly may require voters to present identification before voting to prevent fraud.
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