Voter ID compromise reached

After an aggressive filibuster, the SC Senate reached a compromise Thursday on a controversial Voter ID bill that phases in over two years new requirements for a picture ID in order for a person to vote in South Carolina. The bill also establishes a new 15-day early voting period prior to elections, maintains walk-in absentee voting for 30 days prior to an election and retains mail-in absentee voting beginning at 45 days before an election.

The photo identification requirement takes effect Jan. 2, 2012. The system carries an educational, public outreach component, so that currently-registered voters for whom obtaining a photo identification may pose a difficulty, could be assisted. The compromise proposal must be cleared by U.S. Justice Department and still must go back to the S.C. House for its consideration and passage.

Sen. Kevin Bryant posted a summary of the bill, H.3418.

Sen. Shane Massey (Edgefield, SC) presents arguments for passing the bill: