In Columbia, South Carolina, two significant legislative proposals are currently under discussion at the Statehouse, both of which could have notable impacts on education and electoral processes in the state. One of the bills aims to mandate the display of the Ten Commandments in certain classrooms, while the other could change how South Carolinians participate in primaries.

The focus of recent debate has been on the state’s open primary system. Currently, South Carolina allows voters to choose which party’s primary they wish to vote in, regardless of party affiliation. However, the House Constitutional Laws Subcommittee is examining two bills—House Bills 3643 and 3310—that would require voters to register with a political party to participate in that party’s primary. If enacted, voters who are currently unaffiliated but choose a party primary would automatically be registered with that party.

Isaac Cramer, director of elections for Charleston County, highlighted the challenges this change could bring. “It would require a lot of effort from the election officials here in South Carolina to educate our voters,” he explained, noting that the timelines for implementing such changes would necessitate proactive communication to ensure the electorate is well informed.

Despite the potential for increased administrative complexity, some lawmakers are hesitant to fully back the shift to closed primaries. Concerns have been raised about the possible exacerbation of partisan division, the feasibility of implementing the changes in time for the upcoming governor’s primary, and the looming possibility of a gubernatorial veto from Gov. Henry McMaster, who has expressed opposition to the closure of primaries.

During the meeting, some representatives wavered on their support for closed primaries, citing concerns about increased party division, the timing of implementing the law before the governor’s primary, and Gov. Henry McMaster’s threat to veto a bill establishing closed primaries.

However, Republican candidates for governor, Nancy Mace, Alan Wilson and Ralph Norman, have all announced their support for the change. After two hours of public comment, the committee ran out of time to make a decision and said it would continue reviewing the issue in subcommittee.

Meanwhile, in the Domestic Relations, Business and Probate Law Subcommittee, members discussed another high‑profile bill that would require the Ten Commandments to be displayed in public school and postsecondary classrooms — a proposal opponents argue violates the separation of church and state.

“Our public schools exist to educate and not indoctrinate our children,” said Courtney Thomas, advocacy director for the ACLU of South Carolina. “Our Jewish students, our Muslim students, our secular students have the right and freedom to go to our schools without having one religion be canonized over another.”

The issue is being debated in courtrooms across the country and is likely to reach the U.S. Supreme Court.

The bill initially failed in a 3–2 subcommittee vote before Rep. Calhoon changed their vote, sending it to the full committee.

During the full committee meeting, members debated the measure before ultimately voting to advance it with a slight amendment and a favorable recommendation.