The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) has fixed a computer system error that previously prevented thousands of teenagers from being properly registered to vote ahead of the general election.
The problem, which affected over 17,000 individuals, was brought to light after the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed a lawsuit claiming the SCDMV had failed to process voter registration applications for teens who were 17 at the time of applying but would be 18 by Election Day. Under federal law, these individuals are eligible to register and vote in the election.
The issue stemmed from a flaw in the SCDMV’s system, which failed to forward registration information to the State Election Commission for applicants under 18. Although DMV staff were trained to inform young applicants of this limitation and advise them on alternative registration options, some reportedly did not receive this guidance.
The ACLU and other advocacy groups, including the South Carolina League of Women Voters and the SC NAACP, argued the glitch violated the National Voter Registration Act of 1993, which requires certain agencies to provide voter registration services. After a judge declined to reopen voter registration for the approximately 1,900 affected teens still unregistered, the groups urged the SCDMV to correct the issue or face further legal action.
The SCDMV has since confirmed that the problem has been resolved. As of now, voter registration information for individuals age 16 and older is being properly transmitted to the State Election Commission, ensuring future applicants will not face the same barrier.
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