South Carolina House of Representatives
General Information
Party control:	Republican
Session start:	January 14, 2025
Session end:	May 28, 2025
Term length:	2 years
Term limits:	None
Redistricting:	Legislature-dominant
Salary:	$10,400/year + per diem
Members
Total:	124
Democrats:	36
Republicans:	86
Other:	0
Vacancies:	2
Leadership
Speaker:	G. Murrell Smith Jr. (R)
Maj. Leader:	Davey Hiott (R)
Min. Leader:	James Rutherford (D)
Elections
Last election:	November 5, 2024
Next election:	November 3, 2026

TheSouth Carolina House of Representatives is thelower chamber of theSouth Carolina State Legislature. Alongside theSouth Carolina State Senate, it forms the legislative branch of the South Carolina state government and works alongside thegovernor of South Carolina to create laws and establish a state budget. Legislative authority and responsibilities of the South Carolina House of Representatives include passing bills on public policy matters, setting levels for state spending, raising and lowering taxes, and voting to uphold or override gubernatorial vetoes.

The South Carolina House of Representatives meets in the South Carolina State House inColumbia.

This page contains the following information on the South Carolina House of Representatives.

• Which partycontrols the chamber
• The chamber'scurrent membership
• Partisan control of the chamberover time
• Elections in the chamber and how vacancies are filled
• Adistrict map
• Howredistricting works in the state
• Legislation currently under consideration
• Legislative session dates
• Legislative procedures, such as veto overrides and the state budget process
• A list ofcommittees

Party control

Current partisan control

The table below shows the partisan breakdown of the South Carolina House of Representatives as of November 2025:

Members

Leadership

The speaker of the House is the presiding officer of the body.

Leadership and members

• Speaker of the House:G. Murrell Smith Jr. (R)
• Majority leader:Davey Hiott (R)
• Minority leader:James Rutherford (D)

Salaries

See also:Comparison of state legislative salaries

Swearing in dates

See also:When state legislators assume office after a general election

South Carolina legislators assume office the Monday after the election.^[2]

Membership qualifications

See also:State legislature candidate requirements by state

To be eligible to serve in theSouth Carolina House of Representatives, a candidate must be:^[3]

• A U.S. citizen at the time of filing
• A registered voter
• 21 years old at the filing deadline time
• A resident of the district at the filing deadline time
• Not have been convicted of a felony or offense against election laws unless it has been 15 years since the completion of the sentence for the crime or unless the person has been pardoned

Historical party control

Republicans won control of the South Carolina House of Representatives in 1994. In2024, they won an 88-35 majority with one vacancy.

The table below shows the partisan history of the South Carolina House following every general election from 1992 to 2024. All data from 2006 or earlier comes from Michael Dubin'sParty Affiliations in the State Legislatures (McFarland Press, 2007). Data after 2006 was compiled by Ballotpedia staff.

Trifecta history

Astate government trifecta is a term that describes single-party government, when one political party holds the governor's office and has majorities in both chambers of the legislature in a state government. Between 1992 and 2023, South Carolina was under the following types of trifecta control:

• Democratic trifecta: None
• Republican trifecta: 2003-2023
• Divided government: 1992-2002

Elections

Elections by year

South Carolina state representatives servetwo-year terms, with all seats up for election every two years. South Carolina holds elections for its legislature in even years.

2026

See also:South Carolina House of Representatives elections, 2026

Elections for theSouth Carolina House of Representatives will take place in 2026. The general election is onNovember 3, 2026.

2024

See also:South Carolina House of Representatives elections, 2024

Elections for theSouth Carolina House of Representatives took place in 2024. The general election was onNovember 5, 2024. The primary wasJune 11, 2024, and the primary runoff wasJune 25, 2024. The filing deadline wasApril 1, 2024.

In the 2024 elections, maintained their majority 88-35 with one vacancy remaining after the election.

2022

See also:South Carolina House of Representatives elections, 2022

Elections for theSouth Carolina House of Representatives took place in 2022. The general election was on November 8, 2022. A primary was scheduled for June 14, 2022, and a primary runoff was scheduled for June 28, 2022. The filing deadline was March 30, 2022.

In the 2022 elections, Republicans increased their majority in the state House from 80-43 with one vacancy to 88-36.

2020

See also:South Carolina House of Representatives elections, 2020

Elections for the office ofSouth Carolina House of Representatives took place in 2020. The general election was held on November 3, 2020. A primary was scheduled for June 9, 2020, and a primary runoff was scheduled for June 23, 2020. The filing deadline was March 30, 2020.

Heading into the election, Republicans held a 78-45 majority with one vacancy. The vacant seat was previously held by a Republican. Republicans gained two seats in the election, giving them an 81-43 majority.

2018

See also:South Carolina House of Representatives elections, 2018

Elections for theSouth Carolina House of Representatives took place in 2018. The primary election took place on June 12, 2018, and the general election was held on November 6, 2018. Aprimary runoff election took place on June 26, 2018. The candidate filing deadline wasMarch 30, 2018.^[4]

In the 2018 elections, there was no change to the partisan balance of the South Carolina House of Representatives.

2016

See also:South Carolina House of Representatives elections, 2016

Elections for theSouth Carolina House of Representatives took place in 2016. The primary election took place on June 14, 2016, and the general election was held on November 8, 2016. The primary runoff election was held on June 28, 2016. The candidate filing deadline was March 30, 2016. All124 seats in theSouth Carolina House of Representatives were up for election in 2016.

Heading into the election, Republicans held a 77-46 majority with one vacancy. Republicans gained three seats in the election, giving them a 80-44 majority.

Click [show] to see election information dating back to 2000

2014 See also:South Carolina House of Representatives elections, 2014 Elections for all 124 seats in theSouth Carolina House of Representatives took place in 2014. A primary election took place on June 10, 2014. The general election was held onNovember 4, 2014. Thesignature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was March 30, 2014. Heading into the election, Republicans held a 78-46 majority. Republicans lost one seat in the election, giving them a 77-46 majority with one vacancy. South Carolina House of Representatives Party As of November 3, 2014 After November 4, 2014      Democratic Party 46 46      Republican Party 78 77      Vacant 0 1 Total 124 124 2012 See also:South Carolina House of Representatives elections, 2012 Elections for the office of South Carolina House of Representatives took place in 2012. The primary election was held on June 12, 2012, and the general election was held onNovember 6, 2012. The candidate filing deadline was March 30, 2012. All124 seats were up for election. Heading into the election, Republicans held a 76-48 majority. Republicans gained two seats in the election, giving them a 78-46 majority. South Carolina House of Representatives Party As of November 5, 2012 After the 2012 Election      Democratic Party 48 46      Republican Party 76 78 Total 124 124 The following table details the 10 districts with the smallest margin of victory in the November 6 general election. 2012 Margin of Victory, South Carolina House of Representatives District Winner Margin of Victory Total Votes Top Opponent District 56 Mike Ryhal 1.1% 9,577 Dennis DiSabato, Jr. District 75 Kirkman Finley, III 2.2% 14,142 Joe McCulloch District 39 Ralph Shealy Kennedy 2.2% 13,265 Phil Perry District 53 Ted Vick 3.6% 12,371 Richie Yow District 8 Don Bowen 5.8% 12,987 Ted W. Luckadoo District 26 R. Raye Felder 5.9% 11,211 Jeremy C. Walters District 3 B.R. Skelton 7% 10,112 Ed J. Harris District 90 Bakari Sellers 10.5% 15,029 Dan Lawrence District 97 Patsy Knight 10.9% 15,457 Ed Carter District 78 Beth Bernstein 12.7% 14,282 Joan Brady 2010 See also:South Carolina House of Representatives elections, 2010 Elections for the office of South Carolina House of Representatives took place in 2010. The primary election was held on June 8, 2010, and the general election was held onNovember 2, 2010. The candidate filing deadline was March 30, 2010. Heading into the election, Republicans held a 73-51 majority. Republicans gained two seats in the election, giving them a 75-48 majority with one vacancy. South Carolina House of Representatives Party As of November 1, 2010 After the 2010 Election      Democratic Party 51 48      Republican Party 73 75      Vacancy - 1 Total 124 124 In 2010, the candidates for state House raised a total of $6,654,588 in campaign contributions. The top 10 donors were:[5] 2010 Donors, South Carolina House of Representatives Donor Amount House Republican Caucus of South Carolina $195,500 Palmetto Leadership Council $82,000 South Carolina Trucking Association $78,750 South Carolina Farm Bureau $65,507 Carolina Commerce Fund $57,000 Progress Energy $57,000 South Carolina Dental Association $56,250 Palmetto Business Council $56,000 South Carolina Automobile Dealers Association $55,958 South Carolina Association of Realtors $52,750 2008 See also:South Carolina House of Representatives elections, 2008 Elections for the office of South Carolina House of Representatives consisted of a primary election on June 16, 2008, and a general election on November 4, 2008. During the 2008 election, the total value of contributions to House candidates was $2,919,909. The top 10 contributors were:[6] 2008 Donors, South Carolina House of Representatives Donor Amount House Republican Caucus of South Carolina $201,000 South Carolina Trucking Association $96,500 Palmetto Leadership Council $92,000 House Democratic Caucus Of South Carolina $75,000 South Carolina Optometric Association $69,650 South Carolina Farm Bureau $68,500 South Carolina Association of Realtors $67,750 Scana Corp $61,750 South Carolina Automobile Dealers Association $59,949 Progress Energy $56,750 2006 See also:South Carolina House of Representatives elections, 2006 Elections for the office of South Carolina House of Representatives consisted of a primary election on June 13, 2006, and a general election on November 7, 2006. During the 2006 election, the total value of contributions to House candidates was $7,658,515. The top 10 contributors were:[7] 2006 Donors, South Carolina House of Representatives Donor Amount Floyd Jr, Cecil Edward Bubby $116,750 South Carolina Trucking Association $93,750 Palmetto Leadership Council $92,500 South Carolina Automobile Dealers Association $90,236 Republican Caucus of South Carolina $90,208 South Carolina Optometric Association $77,450 South Carolina Farm Bureau $77,000 Crawford, Kristopher $72,657 Mahaffey, Joseph G $71,900 Speakers Politically Active Citizens Cmte $60,000 2004 See also:South Carolina House of Representatives elections, 2004 Elections for the office of South Carolina House of Representatives consisted of a primary election on June 8, 2004, and a general election on November 2, 2004. During the 2004 election, the total value of contributions to House candidates was $4,940,969. The top 10 contributors were:[8] 2004 Donors, South Carolina House of Representatives Donor Amount Republican Caucus of South Carolina $139,208 South Carolina Automobile Dealers Association $92,549 Palmetto Leadership Council $81,000 Speakers Politically Active Citizens Cmte $77,500 South Carolina Trial Lawyers Association $71,125 South Carolina Trucking Association $63,050 House Republican Caucus Of South Carolina $57,708 South Carolina Association Of Realtors $52,500 Progress Energy $46,000 Purcell, Donald W $44,797 2002 See also:South Carolina House of Representatives elections, 2002 Elections for the office of South Carolina House of Representatives consisted of a primary election on June 11, 2002, and a general election on November 5, 2002. During the 2002 election, the total value of contributions to House candidates was $5,440,606. The top 10 contributors were:[9] 2002 Donors, South Carolina House of Representatives Donor Amount Republican Caucus of South Carolina $167,916 Thompson, Michael D $125,000 Ceips, Catherine C & Richard N $83,100 Speakers Politically Active Citizens Cmte $80,000 South Carolina Automobile Dealers Association $70,550 Skelton, B R $50,000 South Carolina Trial Lawyers Association $48,250 South Carolina Trucking Association $47,500 South Carolina Bankers Association $45,250 Blue Cross Blue Shield Of South Carolina $44,500 2000 See also:South Carolina House of Representatives elections, 2000 Elections for the office of South Carolina House of Representatives consisted of a primary election on June 13, 2000, and a general election on November 7, 2000. During the 2000 election, the total value of contributions to House candidates was $5,444,436. The top 10 contributors were:[10] 2000 Donors, South Carolina House of Representatives Donor Amount Republican Caucus of South Carolina $184,381 Thompson, Michael D $120,000 Speakers Politically Active Citizens Cmte $80,000 South Carolina Optometric Association $59,900 House Republican Caucus Of South Carolina $56,244 South Carolina Automobile Dealers Association $54,244 South Carolina Association Of Realtors $53,125 Electric Cooperatives Of South Carolina $50,250 South Carolina Hospital Association $47,600 South Carolina Trial Lawyers Association $45,750

Vacancies

See also:How vacancies are filled in state legislatures

If there is a vacancy in theSouth Carolina Legislature, the presiding officer of the chamber in which the vacancy happens must call for a special election. If candidates plan to seek the nomination through a political party primary or a political party convention, the filing period begins on the third Friday after the vacancy occurs. The qualifying deadline is eight days after the filing period opens.^[11]

If a candidate plans to seek the nomination via petition, all signatures must be submitted to the appropriate filing officer no later than 60 days before the election. All signatures must be verified by the filing officer no later than 45 days before the election.^[12]

A primary election must be held on the eleventh Tuesday after the vacancy occurs. If necessary, a primary runoff must be held on the thirteenth Tuesday after the vacancy occurs. The special election is held on the twentieth Tuesday after the vacancy occurs. If the twentieth Tuesday after the vacancy occurs is less than 60 days prior to the general election, the special election must be held on the same day as the general election.^[12][13]

See sources:South Carolina Const. Art. III, § 25 andSouth Carolina Code Ann. § 7-13-190

District map

See also:South Carolina state legislative districts

The state of South Carolina has 124 state House districts. Each district elects one representative.

Use the interactive map below to find your district.

Redistricting

See also:Redistricting in South Carolina

In South Carolina, congressional and state legislative district boundaries are drawn by thestate legislature. These lines are subject to veto by thegovernor.^[14]

South Carolina's legislative redistricting committees adopted redistricting guidelines in 2011. These guidelines recommend that all congressional and state legislative districts be contiguous and "attempt to preserve communities of interest and cores of incumbents' existing districts." Further, the guidelines suggest that districts should "adhere to county, municipal, and voting precinct boundary lines." These guidelines may modified by the legislature at its discretion.^[14]

2020

See also:Redistricting in South Carolina after the 2020 census

South Carolina enacted new state legislative district maps on December 10, 2021, when Gov. McMaster signed a proposal approved by theSouth Carolina House andSenate into law. The South Carolina Senate approved House and Senate map proposals in a 43-1 vote on December 7, 2021, and the House approved the new districts in a 75-27 vote on December 9, 2021. Gov. McMaster signed the bill into law the next day.^[15]
The House maps were updated on June 28, 2022, by Senate Bill 1024. The updated maps became effective for the 2024 elections.^[16][17]

District map after 2020 redistricting

This map took effect for South Carolina's 2022 legislative elections.

2010

See also:Redistricting in South Carolina after the 2010 census

The 2010 census indicated South Carolina's population grew by 15.3 percent to 4.6 million, representing the tenth fastest growth rate in the country from 2000 to 2010.

On June 15, 2011, both chambers passed Senate-originated maps, and theU.S. Department of Justice cleared the maps in November 2011. The maps were contested in court, and a panel of federal judges upheld South Carolina's new congressional and state legislative districts on March 9, 2012, dismissing the lawsuit that claimed the lines were drawn to weaken African-American voters in the state.^[18][19] On March 19, 2012, six voters appealed the ruling up to theU.S. Supreme Court, which, on October 1, 2012, ruled that the lines were fair and nondiscriminatory.^[20][21]

Sessions

Legislation

The legislation tracker below displays all legislation that the South Carolina House of Representatives has approved in its most recent legislative session—this includes legislation that has been sent from the House to the Senate and legislation that has already been approved by both chambers and signed by the governor. The table below includes the bill number, its name, progress, most recent action date, and sponsor. Scroll up and down and side to side to see more. Click the bill number to read the bill text and see its voting history. Click the headings to sort the content. Rearrange the order of the headings by clicking and dragging them. Click the magnifying glass in the bottom left corner to search for specific terms. The legislation tracker is maintained and updated byBillTrack50.

Dates of legislative sessions in South Carolina by year

2025

See also:2025 South Carolina legislative session andDates of 2025 state legislative sessions

In 2025, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 14, 2025, and adjourn on May 28, 2025.

Click [show] for past years' session dates.

2024 See also:2024 South Carolina legislative session andDates of 2024 state legislative sessions In 2024, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 9, 2024, and adjourn on May 9, 2024. 2023 See also:2023 South Carolina legislative session andDates of 2023 state legislative sessions In 2023, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 10, 2023, and adjourn on May 11, 2023. 2022 See also:2022 South Carolina legislative session andDates of 2022 state legislative sessions In 2022, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 11, 2022, and adjourn on May 12, 2022. 2021 See also:2021 South Carolina legislative session andDates of 2021 state legislative sessions In 2021, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 12, 2021, and adjourn on May 13, 2021. 2020 See also:2020 South Carolina legislative session andDates of 2020 state legislative sessions In 2020, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 14, 2020, and adjourn on June 25, 2020. Effect of coronavirus pandemic See also:Changes to state legislative session dates in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020 Coronavirus pandemic Select a topic from the dropdown below to learn more. Political responses overviewState reopening plansDocumenting America's Path to RecoveryElection changesChanges to vote-by-mail and absentee voting proceduresFederal responsesState responsesState executive ordersStay-at-home ordersMultistate agreementsNon-governmental reopening plansEvictions and foreclosures policiesTravel restrictionsEnacted state legislationState legislative session changesSchool closuresState court closuresInmate releasesLocal government responsesDiagnosed or quarantined politiciansBallot measure changesArguments about government responsesThe 1918 influenza pandemicPandemic Response Accountability CommitteeUnemployment filingsLawsuitsBallotpedia's polling on the coronavirus pandemicSubmit Several state legislatures had their sessions impacted as a result of the 2020 coronavirus pandemic. 2019 See also:2019 South Carolina legislative session andDates of 2019 state legislative sessions In 2019, the legislature was in session from January 8, 2019, through May 21, 2019. 2018 See also:2018 South Carolina legislative session andDates of 2018 state legislative sessions In 2018, the legislature was in session from January 9, 2018, through May 10, 2018. To read about notable events and legislation from this session, clickhere. 2017 See also:Dates of 2017 state legislative sessions In 2017, the legislature was in session from January 10, 2017, through May 11, 2017. The legislature held a special session on June 6, 2017. 2016 See also:Dates of 2016 state legislative sessions In 2016, the legislature was in session from January 12 through June 2. 2015 See also:Dates of 2015 state legislative sessions In 2015, the legislature was in session from January 13 through June 4. The legislature had a veto session from June 16 to July 9.[22] Major issues in 2015 Major issues during the 2015 session included the South Carolina Supreme Court ruling on rural school equity, roads, gas prices, and criminal domestic violence. The court issued a ruling in a 21-year-old funding lawsuit and directed the legislature to provide a solution to inequity for rural schools in the state. However, lawmakers were given no direction by the state's highest court, and were forced to develop a plan on their own.[23] 2014 See also:Dates of 2014 state legislative sessions In 2014, the legislature was in session from January 14 through June 6. Major issues in 2014 Major issues during the 2014 legislative session included ethics reform and government restructuring.[24] 2013 See also:Dates of 2013 state legislative sessions In 2013, the legislature was in session from January 8 to June 20. Major issues in 2013 Major issues in the 2013 legislative session included computer security, improving the state's roads and bridges, and addressing healthcare.[25] 2012 See also:Dates of 2012 state legislative sessions In 2012, the legislature was in session from January 11 through June 7. Major issues in 2012 Legislators addressed a budget surplus of $900 million. Major agenda issues included tax reform, job security measures, reforming the state retirement system, and creating a new school funding formula.[26] 2011 See also:Dates of 2011 state legislative sessions In 2011, the legislature was in regular session from January 11 through June 2.[27] On June 2, 2011, GovernorNikki Haley (R) attempted to call the legislature into an "emergency" special session to begin on June 7 to create the new South Carolina Department of Administration. A lawsuit was filed by Senate President Pro TemGlenn McConnell (R), in which he contended that Haley's call for a special session was unconstitutional, and that it violated the state Constitution's requirement of separation of powers among the governor, legislature and courts.[28] On June 6, 2011, the South Carolina Supreme Court ruled 3-2 against Governor Haley, stating that her order violated the legislature's ability to set its calendar and agenda.[29] The legislature met in a special redistricting session from June 14 to July 1.[30] The legislature re-convened July 26.[31] 2010 See also:Dates of 2010 state legislative sessions In 2010, the legislature was in session from January 12 to June 3.

About legislative sessions in South Carolina

TheTenth Amendment of theU.S. Constitution declares that any power not already given to the federal government is reserved to the states and the people.^[32] State governments across the country use this authority to hold legislative sessions where a state's elected representatives meet for a period of time to draft and vote on legislation and set state policies on issues such as taxation, education, and government spending. The different types of legislation passed by a legislature may include resolutions,legislatively referred constitutional amendments, and bills that become law.

Article III of the South Carolina Constitution establishes when theSouth Carolina State Legislature, of which the House of Representatives is a part, is to be in session. Section 9 of Article III states that the Legislature is to convene on the second Tuesday of January each year. Section 9 allows the General Assembly to recede from session for up to thirty days by a majority vote of the legislative house seeking to recede. Furthermore, one or both houses can recede from session for more than thirty days if that action is approved by two-thirds of the members.

Legislative roles and procedures

Every state legislature throughout the country features its own internal procedures that it uses to govern itself and how it interacts with other parts of state government. Ballotpedia's coverage of internal state legislative procedures includesveto overrides,the role of the legislature in the state budget, andprocedures for filling membership vacancies.

Veto overrides

See also:Veto overrides in state legislatures

State legislatures can override governors' vetoes. Depending on the state, this can be done during the regular legislative session, in a special session following the adjournment of the regular session, or during the next legislative session. The rules for legislative overrides of gubernatorial vetoes in South Carolina are listed below.

How many legislators are required to vote for an override? Two-thirds of members present in both chambers.

How can vetoes be overridden after the legislature has adjourned?

Authority:Article IV, Section 21 of theSouth Carolina Constitution.

Role in state budget

See also:South Carolina state budget and finances

South Carolinaon

Check outBallotpedia articles about policy in your state on:

Budgets •Civil liberties •Education •Elections •Energy •Environment •Healthcare •Pensions

The state operates on an annual budget cycle. The sequence of key events in the budget process is as follows^[34]

1. InAugust of the year preceding the start of the new fiscal year, thegovernor sends budget instructions to state agencies.
2. BetweenSeptember and October, agencies submit their budget requests to the governor.
3. Budget hearings are held with state agencies inOctober.
4. InJanuary, the governor submits his or her proposed budget to thestate legislature.
5. Both theHouse and theSenate pass a budget. If these versions do not match, a conference committee consisting of both House and Senate members is assembled to reconcile the differences.^[35]
6. The legislature adopts a budget inMay. The fiscal year beginsJuly 1.

South Carolina is one of 44 states in which the governor hasline item veto authority.^[34][36]

The governor is constitutionally required to submit a balanced budget to the legislature. In turn, thelegislature must pass a balanced budget, and any budget signed into law by the governor must be balanced.^[34]

Committees

See also:List of committees in South Carolina state government

Every state legislature and state legislative chamber in the country contains several legislative committees. These committees are responsible for studying, amending, and voting on legislation before it reaches the floor of a chamber for a full vote. The different types of committees include standing committees, select or special, and joint.

• Standing committees are generally permanent committees, the names of which sometimes change from session to session.
• Select or special committees are temporary committees formed to deal with specific issues such as recent legislation, major public policy or proposals, or investigations.
• Joint committees are committees that feature members of both chambers of a legislature.

Ballotpedia covers standing and joint committees. The South Carolina House of Representatives has 12 standing committees:

Constitutional amendments

In every state but Delaware, voter approval is required to enact a constitutional amendment. In each state, the legislature has a process forreferring constitutional amendments before voters. In 18 states,initiated constitutional amendments can be put on the ballot through a signature petition drive. There are alsomany other types of statewide measures.

The methods in which the South Carolina Constitution can be amended:

See also:Article XVI of the South Carolina Constitution andLaws governing ballot measures in South Carolina

TheSouth Carolina Constitution provides two mechanisms for amending the state's constitution— a legislative process and a state constitutional convention. South Carolina requires a simple majority vote (50% plus 1) for voters to approve constitutional amendments.

Legislature

See also:Legislatively referred constitutional amendment

Atwo-thirds (66.67%) vote is required during one legislative session for theSouth Carolina State Legislature to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot. That amounts to a minimum of 82 votes in theSouth Carolina House of Representatives and 30 votes in theSouth Carolina State Senate, assuming no vacancies. Amendments do not require the governor's signature to be referred to the ballot.

In South Carolina, the Legislature needs to approve a constitutional amendment for a second timeafter voters approve the amendment. This second vote requires a simple majority in the House and Senate.

Convention

See also:Convention-referred constitutional amendment

According toSection 3 of Article XVI of theSouth Carolina Constitution, a constitutional convention can be held if two-thirds of the members of both houses of theSouth Carolina State Legislature vote to put the question on the ballot.

Voter guides

2020 State Cannabis Voter Guides

See also

Elections	South Carolina State Government	State Legislatures	State Politics
South Carolina House of Representatives elections, 2024 South Carolina House of Representatives elections, 2022 South Carolina House of Representatives elections, 2020 South Carolina House of Representatives elections, 2018	South Carolina State Legislature South Carolina State Senate Governor of South Carolina South Carolina Supreme Court	State legislative elections, 2025 State legislative elections, 2024 State legislative elections, 2023 State legislative elections, 2022 State legislative elections, 2021 State legislative elections, 2020 State legislative elections, 2019	State government trifectas State government triplexes State executives State courts Ballot measures The State Legislative Decade

External links

• South Carolina House of Representatives

Footnotes

v • e State legislatures Legislatures Alabama (H,S) ·Alaska (H,S) ·Arizona (H,S) ·Arkansas (H,S) ·California (A,S) ·Colorado (H,S) ·Connecticut (H,S) ·Delaware (H,S) ·Florida (H,S) ·Georgia (H,S) ·Hawaii (H,S) ·Idaho (H,S) ·Illinois (H,S) ·Indiana (H,S) ·Iowa (H,S) ·Kansas (H,S) ·Kentucky (H,S) ·Louisiana (H,S) ·Maine (H,S) ·Maryland (H,S) ·Massachusetts (H,S) ·Michigan (H,S) ·Minnesota (H,S) ·Mississippi (H,S) ·Missouri (H,S) ·Montana (H,S) ·Nebraska ·Nevada (A,S) ·New Hampshire (H,S) ·New Jersey (GA,S) ·New Mexico (H,S) ·New York (A,S) ·North Carolina (H,S) ·North Dakota (H,S) ·Ohio (H,S) ·Oklahoma (H,S) ·Oregon (H,S) ·Pennsylvania (H,S) ·Rhode Island (H,S) ·South Carolina (H,S) ·South Dakota (H,S) ·Tennessee (H,S) ·Texas (H,S) ·Utah (H,S) ·Vermont (H,S) ·Virginia (H,S) ·Washington (H,S) ·West Virginia (H,S) ·Wisconsin (A,S) ·Wyoming (H,S) 2026 State legislative elections (2026) •State legislative special elections (2026) • Primary dates and filing requirements •2026 Session Dates 2025 State legislative elections (2025) •State legislative special elections (2025) •Primary dates and filing requirements •2025 Session Dates 2024 State legislative elections (2024) •State legislative special elections (2024) •Primary dates and filing requirements •2024 Session Dates 2023 State legislative elections (2023) •State legislative special elections (2023) •Primary dates and filing requirements •2023 Session Dates Historical elections 2022 • 2021 • 2020 • 2019 •2018 •2017 •2016 •2015 •2014 •2013 •2012 •2011 •2010 •2009 •2008 •2007 •2006 •2005 •2004 •2003 •2002 •2001 •2000 Features of state legislatures How vacancies are filled in state legislatures •States with a full-time legislature •State legislatures with term limits •Comparison of state legislative salaries •When state legislators assume office after a general election •Population represented by state legislators •State constitutional articles governing state legislatures •State legislative sessions •Resign-to-run law •State legislature candidate requirements by state •Official names of state legislatures •State legislative chambers that use multi-member districts •Factors Affecting Competitiveness in State Legislative Elections State senates Length of terms of state senators •State senators •Partisan composition of state senates •State senators sorted by year first elected State houses Length of terms of state representatives •State representatives •Partisan composition of state houses •State representatives sorted by year first elected Leadership positions President of the Senate •President Pro Tempore •Senate Majority Leader •Senate Minority Leader •House Majority Leader •House Minority Leader •State Speaker of the House

	v • e State ofSouth Carolina Columbia (capital)
Elections	What's on my ballot? |Elections in 2025 |How to vote |How to run for office |Ballot measures
Government	Who represents me? |U.S. President |U.S. Congress |Federal courts |State executives |State legislature |State and local courts |Counties |Cities |School districts |Public policy