H.3140 requires all high schoolers seventeen and older register to vote. Schools are also prompted to offer information about and the importance of voting in their social studies classes. Voting is the right of all eligible adults. However, it is also the right of those adults to refrain from registering and voting if they so choose. This puts an undue mandate on schools to register their students to vote. While this is undoubtedly well-intentioned, the proper role of schools is to educate, not facilitate government activity and involvement.
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.