A bill

TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 7-15-420(D) and (e), RELATING TO THE TABULATION OF ABSENTEE BALLOTS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT BALLOTS CAST DURING THE EARLY VOTING PERIOD MAY BEGIN TO BE TABULATED AT THE SAME TIME AS ABSENTEE BALLOTS.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

SECTION 1.   Section 7-15-420 (D) and (E) of the S.C. Code are amended to read:

   (D) Beginning no earlier than 7:00 a.m. on election day, the ballots cast during the early voting period and the absentee ballots may be tabulated, including any absentee ballots received on election day before the polls are closed. If any absentee ballot is challenged, the return-addressed envelope must not be opened, but must be put aside and the procedure set forth in Section 7-13-830 must be utilized; but the absentee voter must be given reasonable notice of the challenged ballot.

   (E) Results of the early voting period and absentee ballot tabulation must not be publicly reported until after the polls are closed. An election official, election worker, candidate, or watcher who intentionally violates the prohibition contained in this subsection is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than five years.

SECTION 2.   This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

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