ABC 4 News (WCIV, Charleston)

A proposed congressional redistricting plan aimed at reshaping South Carolina’s 6th District is on hold after its first hearing, as supporters argue it would give Republicans a better chance in the district. Critics say it is designed to dilute Black voting strength. Lynn Teague of the League of Women Voters SC said the proposal shows “a very clear partisan intent” and described the approach as “a mechanism for doing that, which is, to reduce black voters in congressional district six.”

ABC 4 News (WACH, Columbia)

South Carolina lawmakers are moving to tighten rules on data centers as electricity demand rises across the state and concerns grow that residents could end up paying for major power expansion. Lynn Teague, vice president of the League of Women Voters, pointed to recent financial analysis suggesting higher utility costs tied to data center growth. “Goldman Sachs just last week noted that they expect a 6% increase utility costs, much of it attributable to infrastructure construction for data centers,” Teague said.

Whether to close party primaries to only registered Democrats or Republicans is back as a battle in the Statehouse. Some — but not all — Republicans want it, while most Democrats don’t. The League of Women Voters argued that both proposals could potentially contribute to increased political polarization, which, in turn, could fuel lower voter turnout.

In this new year, let’s reaffirm our organization’s commitment to DEI amidst the continuing challenges being put forth by our federal government. Be intentional over the next 11 months in assessing the level of racial/ethnic diversity in your League’s membership and leadership positions. Then be committed to acting on that assessment as your League engages in community outreach for building membership and for voter registration collaborations.

The LWVSC Working Group on Gender and Women’s Equity summarized the WREN (Women’s Rights and Empowerment Network) 2025 study. Please communicate with your elected representatives and utilize these facts to bolster your messages to policymakers. Research shows that informed policies can help women, girls and their families while ignoring facts and research leads to worse outcomes for everyone.

The LWVSC Working Group on Gender and Women’s Equity recommends The Turnaway Study findings for those needing evidence-based research regarding reproductive choices. In summary: Women make thoughtful, well-considered decisions about whether to have an abortion.