South Carolina Judge Daniel Coble extended the voter registration deadline by eight days during a virtual hearing Friday due to Hurricane Helen.
Applications will be accepted in-person, online or by mail until October 14th.
The decision came after the state's Democratic Party filed a lawsuit alleging that damage from Hurricane Helen was preventing residents from participating in the general election.
“Many residents are without electricity or internet, and many government offices, including voter registration offices, are closed due to the storm,” the South Carolina Democratic Party said in a press release.
Voter registration offices in several counties were closed for several days before resuming registration. Offices in Edgefield, Lawrence and McCormick remain closed due to the storm, the newspaper said. South Carolina State Board of Elections.
“Our goal is simple: In the face of the challenges posed by Hurricane Helen, we want all South Carolinians, regardless of their politics, to be registered and have the right to vote,” said Cristalee Spain, chair of the South Carolina Democratic Party. It's about securing opportunities to exercise that power.” .
“Protecting the right to vote is a fundamental part of our democracy. We want to ensure that no South Carolinian is left behind during this difficult time and that everyone has the opportunity to have their voice heard in the next election.” We are asking for this extension in order to
Courts in the state granted a similar extension in response to Hurricane Florence in 2018. The party argues that the attorney general and governor should have initiated this response, but did not.
“With both the attorney general and the governor refusing, states parties had little choice but to ask the court for an extension.” [Henry] Mr. McMaster joined the effort to extend the deadline in 2018, and he extended it again this year,” said party executive director Jay Parmley.
“I think the only difference is that Alan Wilson and Henry McMaster’s names were on the 2018 ballot and not this year. I am still surprised that officials did nothing to extend the 2024 voter registration deadline.”
However, Spain insisted that the issue and decision was bipartisan.
“We are pleased that the voter registration deadline has been extended. This is not a partisan issue. This is a matter of public interest and ensuring that the right to vote is protected for everyone.” Spain said.
