This explainer presents both sides based on the measure's text. It does not recommend a vote.
Plain English Summary
This amendment would change South Carolina's constitution to explicitly state that only U.S. citizens can vote in elections. Currently, state law already requires voters to be U.S. citizens, but this would add that requirement directly to the state constitution.
If YES
The state constitution would explicitly prohibit non-citizens from voting in any South Carolina elections
confidence: high
Voting eligibility requirements would be harder to change since they would be in the constitution rather than just state law
confidence: high
South Carolina would join other states that have added citizenship requirements to their constitutions
confidence: high
Legal challenges to voting eligibility would need to address constitutional language rather than just statutory requirements
confidence: medium
If NO
Voting requirements would remain governed by existing state laws, which already require U.S. citizenship
confidence: high
The state constitution would not be changed regarding voting eligibility
confidence: high
Future changes to voting eligibility could potentially be made through regular legislative processes
confidence: medium
Current voting procedures and requirements would continue unchanged
confidence: high
Financial impact
Fiscal impact analysis not yet available. Constitutional amendments typically have minimal direct costs but may require administrative updates to election materials.
TL;DR
This amendment would add a requirement to South Carolina's constitution that only U.S. citizens can vote, reinforcing what is already required by state law.
Limitations
Based on measure title only — full text analysis may reveal additional details