Witness signatures now NOT required

After the latest court ruling on Friday, witness signatures are now NOT required on ballot return envelopes, according to an announcement today from the South Carolina Election Commission.  The full United States Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals overturned the ruling of the court’s three judge panel issued a day earlier.  In effect, the most recent ruling reinstates the United States District Court’s September 19 order suspending the witness requirement.

The court case is ongoing and is subject to change.  South Carolina is seeking quick resolution of the matter to alleviate confusion and provide voters with clear instructions as soon as possible.  The SEC will continue to notify the public of any changes to the witness requirement through the media and at scVOTES.gov.