Justice Department Agrees Not to Sue South Carolina Over Ballots

The United States Department of Justice agreed on July 20, 2026, not to sue South Carolina over a conflict between state and federal laws concerning overseas absentee ballot timelines. The agreement permits South Carolina to use a condensed schedule for a special Republican U.S. Senate primary on August 11, which was triggered by the July 11 death of Senator Lindsey Graham.

Federal law generally requires a 45-day window for overseas and military voters to request and return ballots. However, the Department of Justice and the South Carolina State Election Commission determined that the state's adjusted deadlines provide sufficient time for these voters.

Under the terms of the agreement, election officials are required to contact previous Republican primary voters by Friday and dispatch requested ballots by August 1. Early voting is scheduled for August 5 through August 7, with all final ballots due by 7 p.m. on August 11.