Bill lets South Carolina voters label themselves to give political parties more information

COLUMBIA — South Carolina voters could voluntarily label themselves a Republican or Democrat under a proposal supporters say will help campaigns target their messages.

Palmetto State voters don't register by party, allowing its nearly 3.3 million registered voters to cast ballots in either of the major parties’ primaries. After years of failed attempts to change that, three GOP House members are trying a different tactic — let voters identify themselves, making it easier for candidates to know whose mailboxes to fill and phones to ring.

Rep. Garry Smith, a co-sponsor, said he thinks this bill stands a better chance because it's voluntary and doesn't close primaries.

"People who want to self-identify can do so," said Smith, R-Simpsonville.

Read more: http://www.postandcourier.com/politics/bill-lets-s-c-voters-label-themselves-to-give-political/article_bb16f776-ced0-11e7-ab06-479f834a82dd.html