Vote 2012: State Law Not Followed in Richland County?

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — “Had state law been followed yesterday, what happened yesterday wouldn’t have happened,” says Rep. Todd Rutherford, D- District 74. It’s an issue that has both Democrats and Republicans speaking out. “To me it’s totally unacceptable, it shows that we need a complete overhaul at least in this county,” says Chad Connelly, SCGOP Chairman. On Election Day 2012, thousands of voters across Richland County stood in line for 3-5 hours just to vote. “This is not the norm and it’s not going to be the norm, we are going to make sure that when people come to vote, they don’t have to worry about losing their job or deal with childcare issues just to exercise their right to vote,” says Rutherford. So what exactly went wrong? ABC Columbia took that question to the Richland County Election Commission. Crandall Sims: “Why weren’t there enough machines in these precints?” Richland County Election Commission Deputy Director Gary Baum: “That’s what we are checking into to get you the right information.” We saw firsthand the demand at Ward 25 at Kilbourne Baptist Church, more than 1,500 voters had just three voting machines to use. Crandall Sims: “Do you guys know if this is a county issue or a state issue?” Gary Baum: “It would definitely be a county issue.” Crandall Sims: “Do we know why state law was not followed? Rep. James Smith, D- District 72: “Well, that’s what we are going to get answers to, I mean what happened yesterday is completely unacceptable.” South Carolina Democratic Party Chairman Dick Harpootlian told ABC Columbia, Governor Haley didn’t provide enough voting machines. South Carolina Republican Party Chairman Chad Connelly gave us this response Wednesday. “Mr. Harpootlian blames everything on Governor Haley. I think if he had a hangnail he would blame it on Governor Haley,” says Connelly. While we are told it is not the Governor’s fault, the county does have some explaining to do. However, right now they aren’t ready to do so. “Not yet,” says Baum. Crandall Sims reporting, “We are told a hearing from the investigation could happen as soon as next week. That is also when we’re told you, the voter, could expect answers.” We of course will continue to follow this story bringing you updates as they become available.