WHAT’S GOING ON: SC Receives “Preclearance” from US DOJ for New SC House District Lines

Yesterday, the US Department of Justice approved the General Assembly’s submission for newly redrawn state House districts.

While the approval was given in under sixty days, insiders expect a number of lawsuits to be filed in opposition to the new lines.

State lawmakers took to their social media accounts last night to applaud the approval. According to Speaker Harrell’s Twitter account, “DOJ informed us today they have given preclearance to House Redistricting Map. Congrats to everybody who worked so hard on this plan!”

Because South Carolina remains subject to the Voting Rights Act, the Department of Justice must provide “preclearance” when district lines are redrawn following a census count. DOJ still must provide approval the state’s other electoral districts.