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Voting history · South Carolina

South Carolina

A dated list of changes to how Americans vote: district maps, polling places and drop boxes, voting laws and rules, and courts and election officials. Each entry says who did what and when, shows what became of it, and links to the page it rests on. Attempts that failed are listed as failed. Entries that rest on a news report name the outlet.

This is the state view: events recorded for South Carolina, then national events that apply here. See the national timeline.

Congressional districts in South Carolina

Choose a district to see the events tagged to it. A number after the district is how many events name it.

Kind of event
Decade

In South Carolina

1998

  1. May 20, 1998 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to Horry County's 1997 council redistricting plan

    The Justice Department's letter, listed as dated May 20, 1998 (the letter text references April 9, 1998), states that, on behalf of the Attorney General, the writer must object to the 1997 redistricting plan for the Horry County council, and that the plan continues to be legally unenforceable until the objection is withdrawn or a judgment is obtained from the District of Columbia court.

    Related: Federal court finds two Horry County council districts violated Shaw v. Reno principles

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

1997

  1. Oct 31, 1997 County Courts and officials Decided by a court

    Federal court finds two Horry County council districts violated Shaw v. Reno principles

    A 1998 Justice Department letter states that on October 31, 1997 the federal district court (C.A. No. 4:97-0273-12, D.S.C.), based on stipulated liability by the county, found that Districts 7 and 9 of Horry County's existing redistricting plan violated the constitutional principles recognized in Shaw v. Reno, and ordered the county to adopt a remedial plan and submit it for Section 5 review.

    Related: Justice Department objects under Section 5 to Horry County's 1997 council redistricting plan · Supreme Court decides Shaw v. Reno

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

  2. Apr 1, 1997 State Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to South Carolina's 1997 state Senate plan

    In a letter of April 1, 1997, the Justice Department stated that, on behalf of the Attorney General, it must object to the 1997 redistricting plan for the South Carolina Senate, and also objected on the ground that the plan represented a clear violation of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. The Senate asked for reconsideration; in a letter of May 14, 1997 the Department stated it no longer based the objection on Section 2 but declined to withdraw it as to proposed District 37.

    Related: Federal court addresses South Carolina's 1995 state Senate plan in Smith v. Beasley

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

1996

  1. Mar 5, 1996 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Gaffney Board of Public Works (Cherokee County): Readoption of the at-large method of election

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for South Carolina records an objection letter dated March 5, 1996, to Gaffney Board of Public Works (Cherokee County). The list describes the change as "Readoption of the at-large method of election." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  2. 1996 State Courts and officials Decided by a court

    Federal court addresses South Carolina's 1995 state Senate plan in Smith v. Beasley

    A 1997 Justice Department letter refers to the order in Smith v. Beasley, 946 F. Supp. 1174 (D.S.C. 1996), and to "constitutional infirmities" the court identified in the State Senate plan embodied in Act No. 49 (1995). The letter treated that plan, modified to address those problems, as the benchmark for its 1997 review.

    Related: Justice Department objects under Section 5 to South Carolina's 1997 state Senate plan

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

1995

  1. Nov 20, 1995 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Spartanburg County School District (Spartanburg County)

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for South Carolina records an objection letter dated November 20, 1995, to Spartanburg County School District (Spartanburg County). The list describes the change as "Section 19.67 of the 1995-96 State Government Appropriations Act which defunded the school district." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  2. Feb 6, 1995 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Bennettsville (Marlboro County): 1994 redistricting plan

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for South Carolina records an objection letter dated February 6, 1995, to Bennettsville (Marlboro County). The list describes the change as "1994 redistricting plan." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

1994

  1. Dec 13, 1994 County Laws and rules Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Spartanburg County School District (Spartanburg County)

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for South Carolina records an objection letter dated December 13, 1994, to Spartanburg County School District (Spartanburg County). The list describes the change as "Act R.631 (1994)--replaces the previously elected county board of education with the appointed Education Oversight Committee." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  2. Oct 17, 1994 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in North Charleston (Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester Counties): Eight annexations

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for South Carolina records an objection letter dated October 17, 1994, to North Charleston (Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester Counties). The list describes the change as "Eight annexations." The list adds the note "Withdrawn 8-20-96." The list links the objection letter.

    Counties: Berkeley County, Charleston County, Dorchester County

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  3. Oct 3, 1994 County Laws and rules Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Georgetown County School District (Georgetown County)

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for South Carolina records an objection letter dated October 3, 1994, to Georgetown County School District (Georgetown County). The list describes the change as "Act R.376 (1994)--provides for the change from a partisan to a nonpartisan election system, including candidate qualifying procedures and filing fees, for the board of trustees." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  4. Aug 15, 1994 County Laws and rules Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Barnwell (Barnwell County): Majority vote requirement for mayor

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for South Carolina records an objection letter dated August 15, 1994, to Barnwell (Barnwell County). The list describes the change as "Majority vote requirement for mayor." The list adds the note "Withdrawn 2-13-95." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  5. Jul 22, 1994 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Florence and Williamsburg Counties: Proposed county boundary change

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for South Carolina records an objection letter dated July 22, 1994, to Florence and Williamsburg Counties. The list describes the change as "Proposed county boundary change." The list links the objection letter.

    Counties: Florence County, Williamsburg County

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  6. Jul 22, 1994 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Hemingway (Williamsburg County): Five residential annexations and a special annexation referendum

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for South Carolina records an objection letter dated July 22, 1994, to Hemingway (Williamsburg County). The list describes the change as "Five residential annexations and a special annexation referendum." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  7. Jun 6, 1994 County Laws and rules Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Lee County and Lee County School District

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for South Carolina records an objection letter dated June 6, 1994, to Lee County and Lee County School District. The list describes the change as "Special election schedule (including the candidate qualifying period, the selection of an April 19, 1994, special primary election date; May 3, 1994, special run-off election date; and a June 7, 1994, special general election date)." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  8. May 2, 1994 State Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to South Carolina's 1994 state House plan

    In a letter of May 2, 1994, the Justice Department addressed the 1994 redistricting plan for the 124-member South Carolina House of Representatives. The letter states that the plan "continues to be legally unenforceable" until the objection is withdrawn or a judgment is obtained from the District of Columbia court. The letter notes that the existing House plan had been adopted by the federal district court in May 1992.

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

1993

  1. Jul 6, 1993 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Johnston (Edgefield County): Redistricting plan

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for South Carolina records an objection letter dated July 6, 1993, to Johnston (Edgefield County). The list describes the change as "Redistricting plan." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  2. Jun 1, 1993 County Laws and rules Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Batesburg-Leesville (Lexington and Saluda Counties): Majority vote requirement

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for South Carolina records an objection letter dated June 1, 1993, to Batesburg-Leesville (Lexington and Saluda Counties). The list describes the change as "Majority vote requirement." The list links the objection letter.

    Counties: Lexington County, Saluda County

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  3. Feb 8, 1993 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Lee County: 1992 redistricting plan

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for South Carolina records an objection letter dated February 8, 1993, to Lee County. The list describes the change as "1992 redistricting plan." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  4. Feb 8, 1993 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Lee County School District (Lee County): 1992 redistricting plan

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for South Carolina records an objection letter dated February 8, 1993, to Lee County School District (Lee County). The list describes the change as "1992 redistricting plan." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  5. Jan 5, 1993 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Marion County: 1992 redistricting plan

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for South Carolina records an objection letter dated January 5, 1993, to Marion County. The list describes the change as "1992 redistricting plan." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  6. Jan 5, 1993 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Marion County School District (Marion County): 1992 redistricting plan

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for South Carolina records an objection letter dated January 5, 1993, to Marion County School District (Marion County). The list describes the change as "1992 redistricting plan." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

1992

  1. Nov 9, 1992 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Norway (Orangeburg County): Districting plan for the town council

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for South Carolina records an objection letter dated November 9, 1992, to Norway (Orangeburg County). The list describes the change as "Districting plan for the town council." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  2. Aug 28, 1992 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Dorchester County: 1992 redistricting plan

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for South Carolina records an objection letter dated August 28, 1992, to Dorchester County. The list describes the change as "1992 redistricting plan." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  3. Jul 21, 1992 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Orangeburg County: 1992 redistricting plan

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for South Carolina records an objection letter dated July 21, 1992, to Orangeburg County. The list describes the change as "1992 redistricting plan." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  4. Jun 5, 1992 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Johnston (Edgefield County): 1992 redistricting plan

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for South Carolina records an objection letter dated June 5, 1992, to Johnston (Edgefield County). The list describes the change as "1992 redistricting plan." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  5. Jan 17, 1992 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Rock Hill (York County): 1991 redistricting plan for city council districts

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for South Carolina records an objection letter dated January 17, 1992, to Rock Hill (York County). The list describes the change as "1991 redistricting plan for city council districts." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

1990

  1. Aug 10, 1990 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in York (York County): Districting plan

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for South Carolina records an objection letter dated August 10, 1990, to York (York County). The list describes the change as "Districting plan." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  2. May 7, 1990 County Laws and rules Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to the City of Chester's candidate filing fees

    In a letter listed as dated May 7, 1990, the Justice Department addressed candidate filing fees adopted by the City of Chester ($150 for city council and $250 for mayor, adopted in 1981). The letter states that, on behalf of the Attorney General, the writer must object to the fees, and that the city had provided no alternative means of securing a place on the ballot.

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

  3. May 3, 1990 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in North Charleston (Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester Counties): Districting plan

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for South Carolina records an objection letter dated May 3, 1990, to North Charleston (Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester Counties). The list describes the change as "Districting plan." The list links the objection letter.

    Counties: Charleston County, Berkeley County, Dorchester County

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  4. Apr 23, 1990 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Anderson County School District

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for South Carolina records an objection letter dated April 23, 1990, to Anderson County School District. The list describes the change as "Act R193 (1989)--method of election (three single-member districts and two multi-member districts) and districting plan." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  5. Feb 5, 1990 County Laws and rules Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Kershaw County: Method of filling school board vacancies and the advisory referendum procedures

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for South Carolina records an objection letter dated February 5, 1990, to Kershaw County. The list describes the change as "Method of filling school board vacancies and the advisory referendum procedures." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  6. Feb 2, 1990 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Bennettsville (Marlboro County)

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for South Carolina records an objection letter dated February 2, 1990, to Bennettsville (Marlboro County). The list describes the change as "Election schedule for implementing the change in method of electing the city council from at large to single-member districts." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

Nationwide

1993

  1. Jun 28, 1993 National Courts and officials Decided by a court

    Supreme Court decides Shaw v. Reno

    On June 28, 1993, the U.S. Supreme Court held that voters stated a claim under the Equal Protection Clause by alleging that a reapportionment plan was "so irrational on its face that it can be understood only as an effort to segregate voters into separate districts on the basis of race," without sufficient justification.

    Source last checked Oct 23, 2026

  2. May 20, 1993 National Laws and rules Enacted

    National Voter Registration Act of 1993 becomes law

    Public Law 103-31, the National Voter Registration Act of 1993, is dated May 20, 1993. The law states its purpose as "to establish procedures that will increase the number of eligible citizens who register to vote in elections for Federal office."

    Related: Supreme Court decides Arizona v. Inter Tribal Council of Arizona · Supreme Court decides Husted v. A. Philip Randolph Institute

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

How this timeline is built

Every entry rests on at least one source that was opened and read, and that source states the date and the fact. Courts, legislatures, election offices, the Justice Department, the Census Bureau, the Federal Register and Congress.gov come first. A news report is used only when no official page states the fact, and it is labeled with the outlet's name. Encyclopedias are not used as sources. History starts in 1965 with the Voting Rights Act. County names come from the Census Bureau's 2024 Gazetteer. Congressional district numbers are those in use for the 2026 election; an event is tagged to a district only when its source names that congressional district.

When a later event changes an earlier one, such as a law later struck down, both entries are listed and point to each other. This page does not predict outcomes or say which party a change helps. U.S. House maps for 2026 · Back to the 2026 voting center.