Voting rights groups, activists protest SC redistricting proposal amid Senate debate

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - Voting rights groups and other activists took to the South Carolina State House on Thursday to protest against a proposal that would change the state’s Congressional districts.

The South Carolina Senate Judiciary Committee ultimately voted to send the bill to the Senate floor after hours of public testimony on Wednesday. The Senate is expected to start taking up the bill when it gavels in at noon Thursday.

A Richland County judge also ruled Wednesday that a rule change made in the middle of debate in the South Carolina House is allowed to stand.

The League of Women Voters and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) are suing lawmakers, accusing them of violating the state’s Freedom of Information Act. The lawsuit asked a judge to block a new House rule that limits the number of amendments lawmakers can offer during redistricting debate.

The change stated that each lawmaker was limited to presenting one amendment to the bill. The rule change was approved by the House Rules Committee before passing the floor on Monday night.

After a hearing on Wednesday morning, Judge Daniel Coble denied a motion for a temporary restraining order that would have made the rule change invalid.

ACLU Executive Director Jace Woodrum said that in continuing the lawsuit, their focus is also on stopping the redistricting bill.

“Don’t rig our voting maps. Get your hands off of our vote. We’re in the middle of an election,” Woodrum said.

While Republicans supporting the bill say it’s necessary and aligned with broader political goals, opposers say Black voters will be impacted.

Protesters also said they are concerned about absentee ballots, with more than 1,700 already being returned.

“We’re here because we represent South Carolina. We’re citizens. We’re residents, and when we feel like our rights are being abused and trampled on, we need to stand up,” said Cherry Brown, who was there for the protest.

Feel more informed, prepared, and connected with WIS. For more free content like this, subscribe to our email newsletter, and download our apps. Have feedback that can help us improve? Click here.