By Shelly Garzon

COLUMBIA, S.C. —  The South Carolina Supreme Court heard oral arguments Tuesday in a high-stakes case that could force the redrawing of the state’s congressional map.

At the center of the case is a challenge to the state’s 2022 congressional map, which plaintiffs argue was drawn to give one political party an unfair advantage. The League of Women Voters, the plaintiffs, say the current map violates voters’ rights by diluting their ability to choose their representatives.

“Elections in the first congressional district are neither free nor open,” said plaintiff Allen Chaney during the hearing.

The League of Women Voters argues that partisan gerrymandering has undermined the integrity of elections in South Carolina.

"It's one thing to cast a ballot, but if the system has been so rigged that your chances of in fact  electing the person you believe is best qualified to represent you are close to 0. Why on earth are you in fact even having redistricting?” said Lynn Teague, vice president of the League.

The court is considering whether South Carolina’s own constitution offers broader protections for voters  in cases involving partisan gerrymandering. During arguments, state attorneys warned that there is currently no legal standard to guide lawmakers in drawing maps under this interpretation of the law.

A decision has not yet been made. Depending on the court’s ruling, lawmakers could be ordered to redraw the map ahead of the 2026 election.

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