Governor Henry McMaster of South Carolina expressed confidence in the state’s voter registration system after a lawmaker reported attempts to register illegal immigrants.
Earlier this month, McMaster requested an investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) into claims by Republican state Rep. Adam Morgan that the South Carolina Medicaid office had repeatedly sent voter registration forms to a noncitizen refugee.
McMaster stated that the SLED investigation confirmed the integrity of South Carolina’s voter registration system, consistent with previous audits.
He noted that state agencies are complying with voter registration laws and that no unlawful activity was found. The SLED report also highlighted the effectiveness of citizenship verification procedures in preventing non-citizens from becoming eligible to vote.
Rep. William Timmons criticized Morgan’s allegations during the investigation. Following SLED’s findings, Timmons posted on X that Morgan’s claims were an attempt to gain attention for his Congressional campaign, wasting tax dollars and exposing election workers to threats.
Morgan responded by accusing Timmons of being indifferent to voter registration forms being sent to non-citizens, asserting that the investigation confirmed this practice, which is required by federal law.
Morgan is challenging Timmons for his House seat, arguing that Timmons has not fought hard enough on certain issues. As chairman of the South Carolina Freedom Caucus, Morgan has gained significant support from hard-line conservatives aiming to strengthen their influence in the House. Timmons is running for a fourth term in office.