slideshow

WINNSBORO — The 2012 general election is less than 30 days away and although the time frame to register has passed many who are have wondered if they need to provide a photo ID in order to cast their vote.

The Photo ID bill has been in the Federal Courts awaiting approval, with many in the public debating if such a law would be seen as unconstitutional.

The wait is over as a three judge panel of federal judges unanimously voted that it could not give pre-clearance to the law “given the short time left before the 2012 elections,” but that the law was not put in place for a “discriminatory purpose” and could go into effect “beginning with any elections in 2013.”

South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson released a statement regarding the ruling stating, “Today’s ruling by the three judge panel is a major victory for South Carolina and its election process. It affirms our voter ID law is valid and constitutional under the Voting Rights Act. The fact remains, voter ID laws do not discriminate or disenfranchise; they ensure integrity at the ballot box.”

This law means that during the 2012 election people may continue to provide one of the following to vote in person: a S.C. Driver’s License, S.C. Department of Motor Vehicles ID card, or a S.C. Voter Registration card. However, in 2013 people will be required to provide one of the following: a current and valid forms of photo ID in order to vote, a S.C. Driver’s License, S.C. Department of Motor Vehicles ID Card, S.C. Voter Registration card with photo, Federal Military ID, or U.S. Passport.

If there are questions about the current law or general elections questions please visit Fairfield County’s local election commission office at 315 South Congress St. in Winnsboro or go to www.scvotes.org.

The Herald-Independent has begun to run survey responses from the candidates who will appear on the ballot in November.

These are the more contested local races in our area and all candidates were contacted and given the opportunity to participate. So far the candidates running for county council appeared in the Oct. 9 edition.

In this edition, on page 7, readers will find the candidates for school board. Check the next edition for candidates running for S.C. House of Representatives District 41.