Panel meets to discuss SC constitutional amendment

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A panel is meeting to determine if voters need a detailed explanation for a ballot question about whether South Carolina’s governor and lieutenant governor should run on the same ticket.

Attorney General Alan Wilson says the Constitutional Ballot Commission is slated to meet Tuesday. Voters will decide on the option in November, but the change wouldn’t take place until 2018.

A Senate amendment would change the constitutional lines of succession. The governor would appoint a new lieutenant governor if the person dies, resigns, or otherwise leaves.

In March, Lt. Gov. Ken Ard resigned after pleading guilty to ethics violations. Ard’s departure led to former Senate President Pro Tem Glenn McConnell becoming lieutenant governor, a role he didn’t want but said he would follow because he promised to uphold the constitution.