23 Oct 2024

First, my apologies that it has been a while since an MDW Update has gone out. However, there are several important issues that require attention as we go into the 2024 election, with early voting already underway.

First, a proposition on the ballots this year would alter voting rights in our state constitution. The proposed change is to section 4, Article II, and asks “Must Section 4, Article II of the Constitution of this State, relating to voter qualifications, be amended so as to provide that only a citizen of the United States and of this State of the age of eighteen and upwards who is properly registered is entitled to vote as provided by law?”  

This is presented as a measure to ensure that only legal citizens are allowed to vote. That, however, is already guaranteed by multiple provisions of federal and state constitutions and laws. For example, Section 3, Article II, of the South Carolina Constitution already defines citizenship as a necessary condition of being an elector in this state. Furthermore, an investigation reported this year by SLED showed that there is no evidence that this is a problem in South Carolina. Non-citizens are not voting, or even trying to vote. 

However, the measure is not just redundant. It is a change from the current wording that says "every" citizen of the Unites States and of this State, 18 years and older, is entitled to vote. The League of Women Voters believes that we must not lose that protection. The League of Women Voters opposes this proposition.

Second, the federal government is taking precautions against potential claims of voter fraud, intimidation and violence. All of us involved in elections and their protection should be aware of this very positive effort.

U.S. Attorney Adair Ford Boroughs of South Carolina named Assistant U.S. Attorney John Potterfield as the district’s election officer, who will spearhead the district’s connection to the Justice Department’s national election day program for the upcoming Nov. 5 general election. A press release from Boroughs’ office said that Potterfield will be “responsible for overseeing the district’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.” Potterfield will investigate any claims related to this year’s election. The public can reach him at (803) 919-3092. Additionally, the FBI Columbia field office will make special agents available to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The public can call (803) 551-4200.