Judge Denies Request to Reopen Voter Registration for Teens Following DMV Glitch in South Carolina

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Judge Denies Request to Reopen Voter Registration for Teens Amid DMV Glitch

A South Carolina judge has ruled that nearly 1,900 teens will not be able to register to vote in the upcoming presidential election. This decision follows a malfunction in the state Department of Motor Vehicles’ (DMV) computer systems, which occurred as the teens sought to register while obtaining their driver’s licenses.

What Happened?

The glitch affected around 1,900 teens who turned 18 by Election Day after they checked the box indicating they wanted to register to vote at the DMV. However, due to a software error, the DMV did not send their information to election officials, omitting them from the voter rolls. The issue came to light when one 17-year-old discovered he was not registered and alerted his mother, who then informed a local Democratic lawmaker.

Who Is Involved?

In a court hearing on Friday, October 25, 2024, Judge Daniel Coble listened to arguments from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and state attorneys. The ACLU, represented by lawyer Allen Chaney, urged the court to reopen the voter registration process for the affected teens. Meanwhile, Will Davidson, representing the DMV, argued against the request, stating it was too close to the election to make such significant changes to the voting rolls.

Where and When Did This Occur?

The court proceedings took place in Columbia, S.C., just as early voting began statewide. The ACLU filed their lawsuit on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, only one day into the early voting period.

Why Did the Judge Rule Against Reopening Registration?

Judge Coble ruled that it was too late to address the registration issues due to the impending election. “There is no effectual relief that this Court could grant and even if it attempted to, the relief sought would create disorder in the voting system,” he stated. Coble’s ruling favored arguments posited by attorneys from the South Carolina Election Commission, the DMV, and other state entities, who expressed concern over creating confusion in the already hectic early voting period.

Michael Burchstead, a lawyer for the Election Commission, emphasized that eligible voters must be identified and vetted before being added to the rolls. “None of this can happen before this general election,” he added.

Impact on Affected Teens

While approximately 6,000 other teens were able to successfully register after becoming aware of the issue, the ruling means that the nearly 1,900 affected individuals will miss out on voting this election cycle. The state lawyers also pointed out that some responsibility should have fallen on the teens to ensure their registrations were completed before the deadline in early October.

Reactions to the Ruling

The ACLU condemned the ruling, claiming it undermines a fundamental right for first-time voters. Allen Chaney expressed disappointment after the hearing, stating, “Our government failed these young voters, and now the same government is making excuses rather than making things right.” He argued that when it is tolerable for a government error to disenfranchise voters, systemic reform is necessary. Chaney called the ruling “deeply troubling” as it leaves many first-time voters excluded from a crucial national election.

Early Voting Participation

Despite the registration issue, over 511,000 ballots were cast during the first four days of early voting in South Carolina, representing about 15% of the total eligible voters in the state. The robust participation indicates high public interest in the election, even as complications arise.

In a previous ruling earlier this month, Coble did allow for an extension of the voter registration deadline due to widespread disruptions caused by Hurricane Helene. He noted that the recent glitch, however, is a different situation and warrants a different approach.

Moving forward, state representatives have pledged to work diligently to prevent such issues from recurring. Kevin Hall, a lawyer for the State Senate, highlighted a shared commitment with the ACLU to ensure elections are free, fair, safe, and secure.