2009 General Assembly Voted Anonymously 75 Percent of the Time

The South Carolina General Assembly recorded its votes on 532 out of 2,116 bills considered during the 2009 legislative session, according to the final vote count tracked by the Policy Council. This total excludes votes on congratulatory resolutions that did not impact actual legislation.

74.9 percent of votes held by the General Assembly were taken via anonymous voice votes despite new rules adopted by the legislature in January requiring more accountability. The House recorded votes 31.2 percent of the time in 2009. The Senate recorded votes 15.6 percent of the time.

Both legislative bodies held more votes on the record this year than in 2008, but even with this improvement the South Carolina legislature remains among the nation’s worst with just 1 out of every 4 votes being recorded.

Recorded Votes: South Carolina General Assembly 2009
S.C. Senate Votes Taken Votes Recorded Percentage Recorded
825 129 15.6 %
S.C. House Votes Taken Votes Recorded Percentage Recorded
1291 403 31.2 %
Legislative Total Votes Taken Votes Recorded Percentage Recorded
2116 532 25.1 %

By South Carolina Policy Council

Since 1986 the South Carolina Policy Council Education Foundation has advocated innovative policy ideas that advance the principles of limited government and free enterprise. The Policy Council is the state’s meeting place for business leaders, policymakers, and academics – as well as engaged citizens – who want to see South Carolina become the most free state in the nation. For questions or comments on the articles on this website, please email Research Director Jamie Murguia.

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