S.C. voters choose to bar noncitizens from casting ballots

ELECTION 2024: Full results from News 12

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - People across the Palmetto State made a decisive choice about a change to the state constitution that might impact who is able to vote in the future.

Voters overwhelmingly voted in favor of changing the wording involving voter qualifications. The change will eliminate the opportunity for a noncitizen to vote in the state.

The ballot question was a simple yes or no question. It asked if the part of the state constitution that concerns voter qualifications should be changed by one word.

Currently, the constitution states that “every” citizen of the United States who is a ed voter can vote, but South Carolinians voted to change the word “every” to “only.”

While there has not been any evidence of noncitizens voting in the state, this small change removes the opportunity from ever being an option in the future. It ensures that all voters are citizens of the United States.

This language change is something that six other states have already approved, and another eight had it on their ballots this year.

Opponents of the ballot question argue that it is unnecessary as it is already illegal for noncitizens to vote and some worry that this could potentially impact citizens who are ed voters in the future.

The Associated Press results show that 86% of voters in South Carolina voted “yes” to this ballot question yesterday. It will still need one final approval from the General Assembly in order for the constitution to be amended.