12/26 On Your Side

South Carolinians could have more options or face tighter restrictions next Election Day – depending on their method of voting.It would require two weeks of in-person early voting six days a week before Election Day – and people wouldn’t need a reason or an excuse to vote early in person, like they do now.

“We think no-excuse early voting is a very good thing, and we appreciate that this bill addresses that,” said Lynn Teague of the League of Women Voters of South Carolina.

Let’s reflect on the words penned by America’s youngest Poet Laureate as we begin to "celebrate the new year and honor the hurt and the humanity of the last one."

The State newspaper

A redrawn South Carolina congressional map expected to deepen Republicans’ advantage in the state was signed into law. The final product, a slight deviation from the current congressional map, splits 10 counties, maintains the 6th Congressional District as a majority-minority district, and expands Republican influence in the competitive 1st District. Lynn Teague, vice president for issues and action with the League of Women Voters of South Carolina, called the new congressional map a “distorted map made worse.”

The Post & Courier

Columbia, January 17 - Months after a newspaper investigation exposed how dozens of political officials across South Carolina get away with refusing to pay their ethics fines, state lawmakers appear to be taking action. But passing ethics reform could also require grassroots activists and voters to contact their legislators and demand change. And building that momentum has been a struggle, said Teague, the League of Women Voters official.

When her group urges residents to call their lawmakers, they often respond that it won’t do any good because government is broken beyond repair, Teague said.

Teague said government leaders “should be ashamed they’ve given the people of South Carolina reason to be cynical.”