Voters could decide if SC top general’s appointed

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina lawmakers could give voters a chance to decide whether they want the governor to appoint the state’s top military officer.

The Senate approved Wednesday the measure that puts the constitutional question on the November ballot.

Under the proposed amendment, the governor would appoint the adjutant general beginning in January 2019. An accompanying measure that was also approved specifies certain qualifications candidates for the position must have, should voters approve the referendum.

The adjutant general oversees the 11,000-member Military Department, which includes the Army National Guard, Air National Guard, State Guard and the state’s Emergency Management Division.

South Carolina is the only state in the nation where voters choose their top military officer in a general election.

The amended measures return to the House, which approved them last year.