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Bill

S 1109

Presidential primaries

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Brad Hutto

South Carolina caps presidential primary candidate fees at 22,500 and requires parties to certify qualified candidates while SEC conducts cost-saving primaries with one-ballot voti

Referred to Committee on Judiciary
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 1109

Summary of Bill S 1109 (2025-2026) – South Carolina: Presidential Primaries

Purpose

S 1109 amends the South Carolina Code to modify how the state conducts presidential preference primaries when a certified political party decides to hold one. The primary aim is to reduce the maximum filing/certification fee charged to each candidate certified by a political party and to establish cost-control measures for administering the primaries.

Key Provisions

  • Trigger for Primaries: If a certified political party’s state committee received at least 5% of the statewide vote for a party’s presidential candidate, the party may decide to hold a presidential preference primary. The State Election Commission (SEC) would then conduct the primary in line with state law and party rules.

  • One-Person, One-Primary Limitation: A registered elector may cast a ballot in only one presidential preference primary, ensuring exclusivity among competing party primaries.

  • Cost-Effective Measures:

    • The SEC and county election authorities must implement cost-saving measures in conducting the primaries. Examples include combining polling places, while maintaining adequate notice and access for voters.

  • Party Responsibilities:

    • The party’s state committee controls the date of the primary and the filing requirements, including certification fees for candidates.
    • Political parties must verify candidate qualifications before certifying names to the SEC for placement on ballots. Certifications must state that each candidate meets or will meet the constitutional, statutory, and party-rule qualifications by the relevant time (general election or as required by law).

  • Candidate Certification Standards:

    • Parties must not certify candidates who do not meet the required qualifications, and such candidates’ names must not appear on the primary ballot.

  • Certification Fees:

    • Parties may charge a certification fee to candidates seeking placement on the presidential preference primary ballot.
    • The bill sets a maximum filing/certification fee of up to $22,500 per candidate, with the exact amount determined by the SEC.
    • The collected fees must be transmitted from the party to the SEC and used to conduct the presidential preference primaries.

  • Effective Date:

    • The act becomes effective upon the Governor’s approval.

Affected Parties and Effects

  • Candidates: May face a lower or capped certification filing fee ($22,500 maximum) and must meet constitutional, statutory, and party-rule qualifications to be certified.
  • Political Parties: Responsible for certifying candidates, setting filing dates/fees, and ensuring candidate qualifications; responsible for transmitting certified fees to the SEC.
  • State Election Commission and Counties: Required to conduct the primaries using cost-effective methods and to manage fee collection as prescribed.
  • Voters: Retain one-primary voting continuity (one ballot per voter) and access to the polls with cost-saving measures in place.

Timeline / Procedural Notes

  • Initiation occurs if a party meets the 5% threshold and opts to hold a presidential preference primary.
  • Parties set dates and filing requirements; SEC oversees primary conduct and fee administration.
  • Effective date: upon Governor’s signature.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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