List of South Carolina ballot measures
This page provides a list of ballot measures that have appeared on the statewide ballot in South Carolina.
- The list is comprehensive for state ballot measures since 1968.
- Years before 1968 include a selection of measures; some years are comprehensive, while others are partial.
- HBM Factbooks
- List of ballot measures by year
- Types of ballot measures
Historical Ballot Measures (HBM) Factbooks
The inventory of statewide ballot measures is part of Ballotpedia's Historical Ballot Measure Factbooks, which document nearly 200 years of direct democracy in the United States. This ongoing research effort will provide an unparalleled resource for researchers, reporters, and voters on how ballot measures have evolved, the issues they've covered, and the role they have played in our civic life. Click here to access the state historical ballot measure factbooks.
List of ballot measures by year
Measures are listed in reverse-chronological order, with the most recent and upcoming elections appearing first. Tables include brief summaries, relevant topics, and the election results for each measure.
2024
See also: South Carolina 2024 ballot measures
November 5
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Citizenship Requirement for Voting Amendment | Citizenship voting requirements | Prohibit the state and local governments from allowing noncitizens to vote |
| 1,982,956 (86%) | 324,432 (14%) |
2022
See also: South Carolina 2022 ballot measures
November 8
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | State and local government budgets, spending, and finance | Increase the General Reserve Fund from 5% to 7% of state general fund revenue |
| 947,610 (62%) | 583,583 (38%) | |
| Amendment 2 | State and local government budgets, spending, and finance | Increase the Capital Reserve Fund from 2% to 3% of state general fund revenue |
| 973,178 (62%) | 584,911 (38%) |
2018
See also: South Carolina 2018 ballot measures
November 6
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | State executive elections; Public education governance | South Carolina Amendment 1, the Appointed Superintendent of Education Measure, is on the ballot in South Carolina as a legislatively referred constitutional amendment on November 6, 2018. |  | 654,943 (40%) | 986,685 (60%) |
2014
See also: South Carolina 2014 ballot measures
November 4
| Type | Title | Subject | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | Gambling policy |
| 989,991 (83%) | 206,862 (17%) | |
| Amendment 2 | State executive official measures; Military service policy; State National Guard and militia |
| 666,963 (56%) | 515,970 (44%) |
2012
See also: South Carolina 2012 ballot measures
November 6
| Type | Title | Subject | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | State executive elections |
| 1,009,367 (56%) | 809,063 (44%) |
2010
See also: South Carolina 2010 ballot measures
November 2
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | Constitutional rights; Right to hunt and fish | Provide for a state constitutional right to hunt, fish, and harvest wildlife |
| 1,126,228 (89%) | 139,668 (11%) | |
| Amendment 2 | Labor and unions |
| 1,090,107 (86%) | 174,473 (14%) | ||
| Amendment 3 | Budget stabilization funds |
| 890,015 (71%) | 365,105 (29%) | ||
| Amendment 4 | State and local government budgets, spending, and finance |
| 906,328 (73%) | 341,893 (27%) |
2008
See also: South Carolina 2008 ballot measures
November 4
| Type | Title | Subject | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | Constitutional wording changes |
| 900,164 (52%) | 817,923 (48%) | |
| Amendment 2 | Public employee retirement funds | | 723,136 (42%) | 1,004,384 (58%) | |
| Amendment 3 | Public employee retirement funds | | 743,406 (44%) | 962,304 (56%) |
2006
See also: South Carolina 2006 ballot measures
November 7
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | LGBTQ issues; Family-related policy | Define marriage as a union between one man and one woman |
| 829,360 (78%) | 234,316 (22%) | |
| Amendment 2a | State legislative processes and sessions |
| 797,252 (79%) | 215,402 (21%) | ||
| Amendment 2b | State legislative processes and sessions |
| 762,299 (76%) | 241,141 (24%) | ||
| Amendment 3a | State and local government budgets, spending, and finance; Public employee retirement funds |
| 725,648 (71%) | 295,398 (29%) | ||
| Amendment 3b | Public employee retirement funds |
| 660,037 (67%) | 331,872 (33%) | ||
| Amendment 6 | Taxes |
| 707,270 (69%) | 318,026 (31%) | ||
| Amendment 7 | Eminent domain policy |
| 885,683 (86%) | 144,169 (14%) |
2004
See also: South Carolina 2004 ballot measures
November 2
| Type | Title | Subject | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Question 1 | Alcohol laws |
| 832,707 (59%) | 573,765 (41%) | |
| Question 2 | Taxes | | 528,121 (39%) | 825,602 (61%) |
2002
See also: South Carolina 2002 ballot measures
November 5
| Type | Title | Subject | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Question 1 | Administration of government | | |
| Question 2 | Administration of government |
|
2000
See also: South Carolina 2000 ballot measures
November 7
| Type | Title | Subject | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | Gambling policy |
| |
| Amendment 2 | Taxes |
|
1998
See also: South Carolina 1998 ballot measures
November 3
1996
See also: South Carolina 1996 ballot measures
November 5
| Type | Title | Subject | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Referendum 1 | Criminal trials; Bail policy |
| 840,989 (87%) | 124,750 (13%) | |
| Referendum 1A | Crime victims' rights |
| 882,869 (89%) | 111,001 (11%) | |
| Referendum 2A | State legislative elections; Law enforcement |
| 822,704 (87%) | 123,409 (13%) | |
| Referendum 2B | State legislative elections |
| 811,493 (86%) | 129,287 (14%) | |
| Referendum 2C | Voting age policy |
| 761,676 (80%) | 188,229 (20%) | |
| Referendum 3 | Residency voting requirements |
| 753,823 (80%) | 188,835 (20%) | |
| Referendum 4A | State judicial selection |
| 790,568 (84%) | 153,793 (16%) | |
| Referendum 4B | State judicial selection |
| 755,272 (82%) | 164,247 (18%) | |
| Referendum 5 | State and local government budgets, spending, and finance; Public employee retirement funds |
| 669,089 (73%) | 252,074 (27%) |
1990
See also: South Carolina 1990 ballot measures
November 6
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1A | State judiciary | | 210,008 (33%) | 431,724 (67%) | ||
| Amendment 1B | State judiciary | | 205,110 (33%) | 416,677 (67%) | ||
| Tax question | Taxes | Six state counties passed the measure and 40 state counties did not pass it. | | 212,817 (32%) | 459,247 (68%) |
1988
See also: South Carolina 1988 ballot measures
November 8
| Type | Title | Subject | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1A | State judiciary |
| 596,110 (76%) | 184,045 (24%) | |
| Amendment 1B | State judiciary |
| 514,307 (70%) | 216,399 (30%) | |
| Amendment 2A | Civil service; State legislatures measures |
| 457,556 (61%) | 289,029 (39%) | |
| Amendment 2B | Civil service; State legislatures measures |
| 438,731 (60%) | 287,760 (40%) | |
| Amendment 2C | Civil service; State legislatures measures |
| 426,730 (61%) | 277,339 (39%) | |
| Amendment 3 | Law enforcement officers and departments |
| 559,814 (75%) | 186,317 (25%) | |
| Amendment 4 | State and local government budgets, spending, and finance |
| 408,747 (61%) | 265,732 (39%) | |
| Amendment 5 | State judiciary |
| 466,090 (63%) | 272,635 (37%) | |
| Amendment 6 | State judiciary |
| 527,308 (73%) | 198,135 (27%) | |
| Amendment 7 | Local government organization; Property tax exemptions |
| 474,102 (66%) | 246,407 (34%) | |
| Amendment 8 | Ballot measure process |
| 481,152 (67%) | 241,244 (33%) |
1986
See also: South Carolina 1986 ballot measures
November 4
| Type | Title | Subject | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | State judiciary |
| 484,440 (89%) | 58,835 (11%) |
1982
See also: South Carolina 1982 ballot measures
November 2
| Type | Title | Subject | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | Administration of government; State executive official measures |
| 342,511 (70%) | 147,313 (30%) | |
| Amendment 2 | Property tax exemptions | | 233,992 (49%) | 243,832 (51%) |
1980
See also: South Carolina 1980 ballot measures
November 4
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | State executive official measures | Allow the governor to serve two successive terms |
| 418,937 (56%) | 322,557 (44%) | |
| Amendment 2 | Property |
| 355,077 (52%) | 323,812 (48%) |
1978
See also: South Carolina 1978 ballot measures
November 7
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | State and local government budgets, spending, and finance |
| 235,628 (52%) | 217,110 (48%) | ||
| Amendment 2 | Utility policy |
| 240,490 (55%) | 196,743 (45%) | ||
| Amendment 3 | Public employee retirement funds |
| 305,520 (71%) | 127,353 (29%) | ||
| Amendment 4 | Ballot measure process |
| 262,822 (62%) | 163,024 (38%) | ||
| Amendment 5 | Family-related policy | Reduce the required period of continuous separation for a divorce to be allowed from three years to one year |
| 325,423 (74%) | 115,980 (26%) |
1974
See also: South Carolina 1974 ballot measures
November 5
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | Voting age policy |
| 278,800 (70%) | 119,878 (30%) | ||
| Amendment 2 | Administration of government |
| 231,703 (59%) | 158,953 (41%) | ||
| Amendment 3 | Alcohol laws |
| 252,148 (64%) | 141,831 (36%) | ||
| Amendment 4 | Ballot measure process | The amendment proposed that if there was more than one proposed amendment on a ballot, the amendments had to be separated so voters could vote on them separately. |
| 216,498 (60%) | 146,906 (40%) | |
| Amendment 5 | Gambling policy |
| 242,878 (63%) | 140,648 (37%) | ||
| Amendment 6 | Constitutional rights |
| 252,992 (66%) | 131,538 (34%) |
1972
See also: South Carolina 1972 ballot measures
November 7
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | State executive official measures | This measure provided for the succession of the Governor and the rules for filling a vacancy of the Governor and of the Lieutenant Governor. |
| 281,292 (66%) | 147,649 (34%) | |
| Amendment 2 | State judiciary | This amendment provided for a unified judicial system. |
| 260,323 (59%) | 177,758 (41%) | |
| Amendment 3 | Administration of government |
| 271,864 (66%) | 140,692 (34%) | ||
| Amendment 4 | County and municipal governance | This amendment provided for the retention of present powers of various local political entities and county boundaries. |
| 224,814 (55%) | 180,521 (45%) | |
| Amendment 5 | Alcohol laws | This amendment authorized the General Assembly to provide for the issuance of licenses to sell alcohol in quantities of two ounces or less and for the sale of alcohol in sealed containers of two ounces or less. |
| 301,364 (60%) | 200,884 (40%) | |
| Amendment 6 | Public education governance | This amendment provided for a State Board of Education and State Superintendent of Education. |
| 247,061 (57%) | 187,757 (43%) | |
| Amendment 7 | Constitutional wording changes | This amendment moved Article XVII to Article XVI and provided for the "grounds of divorce, prohibit lotteries, provide for the continuity of government, provide for alcoholic liquors and beverages." It deleted provisions in the article about qualifications for office and dual office holding. |
| 227,501 (56%) | 181,206 (44%) |
1970
See also: South Carolina 1970 ballot measures
November 3
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | Constitutional wording changes; Constitutional rights | Transpose sections from some Articles of the Constitution to other Articles and create a new Declaration of Rights (Article I) including a right to privacy |
| 159,461 (77%) | 47,508 (23%) | |
| Amendment 1 | Constitutional wording changes | This amendment transposed sections from some Articles of the Constitution to other Articles. |
| 159,461 (77%) | 47,508 (23%) | |
| Amendment 1 | Women's suffrage |
| 182,327 (77%) | 55,243 (23%) | ||
| Amendment 2 | Constitutional wording changes | This amendment transposed sections from some Articles of the Constitution to other Articles. |
| 159,508 (78%) | 44,369 (22%) | |
| Amendment 2 | Voter registration; Women's suffrage |
| 179,512 (77%) | 52,308 (23%) | ||
| Amendment 3 | Business regulations; State legislative authority |
| 141,809 (74%) | 49,207 (26%) | ||
| Amendment 3 | County and municipal governance | This amendment permitted the establishment and financial support of regional councils of governments. |
| 139,144 (62%) | 86,946 (38%) | |
| Amendment 4 | Juvenile criminal justice |
| 154,724 (79%) | 41,758 (21%) | ||
| Amendment 4 | Taxes |
| 173,488 (74%) | 61,646 (26%) | ||
| Amendment 5 | Property |
| 145,389 (65%) | 77,462 (35%) | ||
| Amendment 5 | Impeachment rules | This measure amended the Constitution to expand on the officials subject to impeachment. |
| 152,625 (78%) | 42,160 (22%) | |
| Amendment 6 | Corrections governance | The amendment allowed for inmates in the state to be placed in prisons in other states or with the federal government. |
| 175,799 (77%) | 53,171 (23%) | |
| Local Amendment 1 | Public economic investment policy | This amendment provided for slum clearance and redevelopment in Charleston County. |
| 157,878 (68%) | 75,095 (32%) | |
| Local Amendment 2 | Public economic investment policy | This amendment provided for slum clearance and redevelopment in Richland County. |
| 150,800 (67%) | 73,358 (33%) | |
| Local Amendment 3 | Taxes; Bond issues | This amendment permitted the County of Spartanburg to levy taxes or issue bonds for all public purposes. |
| 112,703 (66%) | 56,848 (34%) |
1968
See also: South Carolina 1968 ballot measures
November 5
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | County and municipal governance |
| 212,123 (62%) | 127,448 (38%) | ||
| Amendment 2 | Alcohol laws; Taxes | The amendment permitted the proceeds of alcohol to be applied to the treatment and rehabilitation of alcohol and drug addicts. |
| 232,821 (66%) | 122,168 (34%) | |
| Amendment 3 | Family-related policy |
| 217,408 (64%) | 124,127 (36%) | ||
| Amendment 4 | Ballot measure process | The amendment proposed that if there was more than one proposed amendment on a ballot, the amendments had to be separated so voters could vote on them separately. |
| 196,780 (60%) | 128,871 (40%) | |
| Amendment 5 | Bond issues | This amendment permitted the City of Aiken to incur bonded indebtedness "to the extent of not exceeding twenty-five per cent of the assessed value of all taxable property." |
| 118,885 (66%) | 60,512 (34%) | |
| Amendment 6 | Bond issues | This amendment increased the "limitations of bonded indebtedness of the City of Columbia to fifteen per cent of the assessed value of taxable property in the city." |
| 107,110 (62%) | 66,919 (38%) |
1952
See also: South Carolina 1952 ballot measures
November 4
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 2 | Public education governance | Repeal the constitutional requirement that the General Assembly provide a liberal system of free public schools for all children |
| 187,345 (67%) | 91,823 (33%) |
Types of ballot measures in South Carolina
Citizen-initiated ballot measures
In South Carolina, citizens do not have the power to initiate ballot measures at the state level.
Legislative referrals
Legislatively referred constitutional amendments
A two-thirds (66.67%) vote is required during one legislative session for the South Carolina State Legislature to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot. That amounts to a minimum of 82 votes in the South Carolina House of Representatives and 30 votes in the South Carolina State Senate, assuming no vacancies. Amendments do not require the governor's signature to be referred to the ballot.
In South Carolina, the Legislature needs to approve a constitutional amendment for a second time after voters approve the amendment. This second vote requires a simple majority in the House and Senate.
Advisory questions
- See also: Advisory question
A simple majority vote is required during one legislative session for the South Carolina State Legislature to place an advisory question on the ballot. That amounts to a minimum of 63 votes in the South Carolina House of Representatives and 24 votes in the South Carolina State Senate, assuming no vacancies. Advisory questions require the governor's signature to be referred to the ballot.
Constitutional convention questions
- See also: Constitutional convention question
According to Section 3 of Article XVI of the South Carolina Constitution, a constitutional convention can be held if two-thirds of the members of both houses of the South Carolina State Legislature vote to put the question on the ballot.
Political party advisory questions
- See also: Political party advisory question
A political party advisory question is a ballot measure placed on primary ballots by a political party. The advisory questions are not legally binding on the party but are used to gauge voter sentiment about party positions.
In South Carolina, state law governing the administration of elections states, "Nothing herein shall be construed to prevent any party from submitting to party members any question or issue." State law requires state and county political parties to submit questions by April 5 for the June primary.[1]
See also
Footnotes
