This article was originally published by The Hill

By Ashleigh Fields 

A Tuesday lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union of South Carolina and the state chapter of the League of Women Voters says lawmakers in the Palmetto State violated debate rules by failing to notify the public of a meeting where elected officials discussed redistricting measures.

It follows a Tuesday approval for new congressional maps by lawmakers in South Carolina’s state house.

“FOIA requires that an agenda for regularly scheduled or special meetings must be posted at least twenty-four hours prior to such meetings and further provides specific notice requirements for legislative committees,” the complaint says. 

The ACLU and League of Women Voters’ chapters are requesting temporary relief urging the court to note that any actions taken at that meeting are void and of no legal effect.

According to the plaintiffs, the meeting agenda for the special Rules committee was posted eight minutes before the meeting was to start.

“The agenda posted for the meeting provided no indication that any vote or final action would be taken, stating only ‘Discussion of Rules Resolutions.’ The agenda did not state that the meeting was being convened under emergency circumstances, and it did not reference any emergency or exigent circumstances,” according to the complaint.

At the meeting, South Carolina House representatives voted to approve limitations on the redistricting debate including restricting each lawmaker to a single amendment for the bill.

Lawmakers in the Palmetto State have joined several other Southern states in aiming to strike its minority districts approved under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. 

Although the effort has received approval in the state House, state senators originally declined to extend their legislative calendar to consider redistricting. 

However, Gov. Henry McMaster (R-S.C.) called a special session in search of approval for redrawn congressional districts ahead of the November general election. 

South Carolina has one minority district, which is represented by Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.). He’s running for reelection and is at risk of being drawn out of his seat.   

“This fight is bigger than one district,” Clyburn said in a post on the social media platform X earlier this month regarding Republicans’ intentions to dismantle his district.  

“It’s about whether our democracy belongs to the people, or to politicians who change the rules when they don’t like the results,” he said. “We cannot let them succeed.” 

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