A Bill to End Ambiguity in Campaign Period Commencement
Requires the Elections Commission to clearly define and announce when the campaign period begins, eliminating a loophole exploited in past elections.
Summary
Previous election codes were vague about exactly when the campaign period started. This ambiguity was exploited — campaigns could argue they weren’t technically campaigning because the period hadn’t been formally declared open.
This bill requires the Elections Commission to clearly announce the official end time of the candidates’ meeting before adjournment, and states that the campaign period begins immediately after that adjournment. No more gray areas. No more loopholes.
Full Text
117th Student Senate of the University of South Carolina
Sponsored by Senators Whisenant and Lapsley
SECTION 1: Section 4-2-80 of Chapter 4 of the Student Government Codes is to be amended to include:
Section 4-2-80. Candidates’ Meeting
(G) The Elections Commission shall be required to clearly define and announce the official end time of the candidates’ meeting before its adjournment.
SECTION 2: Subsection (A) of Section 4-2-90 is to be amended to read:
Section 4-2-90. Campaign Period.
(A) The period in which candidates may campaign shall begin immediately following the official adjournment of the candidates’ meeting as declared by the Elections Commission.
Related Articles
A Resolution to Defend Student Organizations Against Discriminatory Funding Models
Opposed the proposed points-based funding system that would have forced organizations to front 20-80% of event costs — a model that punishes smaller, minority-led, and first-generation organizations.
The Fair Elections Enforcement Act
Would have allowed the Constitutional Council to pause elections when fraud is alleged during voting — and let students revote after learning the outcome. Vetoed by the president whose campaign was found guilty of fraud.