Early voting is a commonsense election reform. Republicans should be all in favor
In today’s political climate it can seem hard to find positive news - especially on critical issues like voting and election reform. However, this past May, legislators in Columbia bucked this trend, unanimously passing H. 4919. The bill now allows South Carolinians to vote early in the two weeks leading up to elections. At the same time, H. 4919 strengthened our electoral process by making voter fraud a felony and requiring an audit of votes in every county in the days following an election.
With the concerns about the 2020 election, anything to do with election reform has become a political third rail. Some seem too willing to claim there is election fraud - even with no proof - and other irresponsible voices try to paint any kind of election integrity measure as an assault on voting rights.
These all-or-nothing approaches don’t yield solutions that make our elections better. It also blinds us to possibilities for responsible lawmakers to make a real difference for our constituents.
But H. 4919 managed to defy these prevailing political headwinds. We worked hard with election integrity specialists and our Democratic colleagues who were willing to negotiate to reach the compromise that paved the way for expanded early voting in the Palmetto State. We showed we can balance access with security by coupling our new system of early voting with provisions that make our elections more secure.
Since the start of 2021, these two priorities have been seen as mutually exclusive. But in South Carolina, we knew this didn’t have to be the case. We proved that it was possible to deliver real solutions once we cut through the noise of our polarized time. And better yet, the benefits of this bill can be celebrated by all South Carolinians - regardless of who we support in the election.
The Republican primary for U.S. House District 7 was one of the most closely watched elections in our state, and nearly one in five of all votes cast were early votes. On the Democratic side, their party primary for governor saw almost 30 percent of all voters choose to vote early. These results show such a clear benefit to both parties, and any concerns about which party fares better by increasing opportunities to vote are unfounded.
It’s important for me to look at how this move makes it easier for all South Carolinians - particularly rural and elderly voters - to vote. For those that need to drive miles and miles to go vote, those who work long shifts, and some elderly voters trying to make it to their polling location on a Tuesday can be challenging. This new two-week window of voting allows rural and elderly voters a way to ensure their vote counts while providing a little extra flexibility on timing of when they vote. In short, we have recognized that early voting is a secure and efficient way for voters to make their preferences known.
Now, South Carolinians can find a time that is best for them instead of having to worry about how to get to their local polling location on Election Day — a change that will lead to increased turnout across the state.
At the same time, we strengthened our electoral system by ensuring that nefarious actors cannot meddle in our democratic process. Voter fraud now carries with it increased penalties with the possibility of jail time. These penalties would also go into effect if poll managers intentionally brake election laws. Every early voter will show a photo ID just like they would on election day. Mail in voting will now be used only by those who need it instead of as a method of choice.
In South Carolina, we proved that it is possible to expand voting options while further protecting against fraud. It’s a prudent, two-pronged approach that enhances our democratic process in every respect.
By digging in and doing the hard work we showed that in South Carolina we can continue to be leaders when it comes to safe, secure, and fair elections. We should be proud of the changes we’ve made in South Carolina, and we hope other states will take notice and follow suit
S.C. Rep. Brandon Newton represents parts of Lancaster and York counties in District 45.
