LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS SC oter Post Office Box 8453 • Columbia, SC 29202 • Phone & Fax: (803) 251-2726 Website: www.lwvsc.org Volume 60, Issue 4 Spring 2011 LLWVSCWVSC invitesinvites youyou toto celebratecelebrate thethe LeagueLeague ofof SouthSouth CarolinaCarolina atat itsits 30th30th BiennialBiennial ConventionConvention

EMPOWERED FOR ACTION: Staying True to Our Mission for 60 Years

In 2011, the LWVSC observes the 60th leaders to take part in the training and preparation of Convention materials. anniversary of our official recognition by networking opportunities that Convention Convention details, including each the national League. We hope you will offers. Non-members are welcome to attend day’s schedule and reports (Nominating attend LWVSC Convention for an all or part of Convention as observers. Committee, Bylaws, Budget and Program exciting weekend of celebration, learning, You won’t want to miss any of the of Study and Action) can be obtained by growing and connecting. All Convention great workshops and other convention calling 803.251.2726 or at events will take place at the Quality Inn activities but let’s face it: There’s a lot of http://lwvsc.org/whatsnew.html. Hotel, 2390 Broad St., Sumter, on sitting during any convention. Take some Saturday May 14, and Sunday May 15. time to stretch your legs at Sumter’s BIENNIAL CONVENTION: continued on page 3 Sumter is a special place in South wonderful Swan Lake Iris Gardens, a Carolina’s PeeDee region. short ride from the hotel. This blackwater Join us and help chart the League’s future lake is home to thousands of blooming Highlights: in South Carolina – And enjoy a spring irises in the spring and several species of • 30th Biennial Convention ...... 1 weekend with Leaguers from across the state. waterfowl, including magnificent swans. • President’s Perspectives ...... 2 Our host, LWV of Sumter County, is It is free to the public so build in some planning an outstanding experience for us. time to visit there. • Biennial Convention Registration ...... 3 We offer fun events, top-notch speakers, Before and after the convention, enjoy • Legislative Advocacy Day ...... 4 instructive workshops, caucus discussions of a scenic drive through the PeeDee’s • Lobbying for the Environment...... 5 hot topics, exciting items for sale in our agricultural countryside. Stop at the • Criminal Justice/Juvenile Justice ...... 6 wares market, and networking opportunities Bishopville garden where master topiary • ABC Recycling Bill...... 6 for everyone. In addition to voting on our artist Pearl Fryar maintains acres of • Drawing the Lines ...... 7 issues for emphasis and studies, delegates intricate topiary, and McLeod Farms near • School Vouchers ...... 8 also pass our budget, elect the board, pass McBee for local produce. • State Budget Update ...... 8 resolutions, and give advice to the new board. • Can S.C. Learn from Japan?...... 9 Any South Carolina LWV member is Convention Materials • O’Connor Award ...... 9 welcome to attend. This is a great A registration form is in this issue. • S.C. Voting Machines...... 10 opportunity for experienced and emerging Please register by May 4 to allow for • Important League Dates...... 11

Website: www.lwvsc.org Join the League today! ★★★ President’s Perspectives:

Rosa Parks would rise to greatness. Collections at the University of South Sometimes a transformative experience Carolina and used in updating the state triggers great leadership – like League’s Proud Heritage, initially Eisenhower’s being picked to lead the published in 1976. The League’s story in allied forces, or Parks’ refusal to move to South Carolina is replete with examples the back of the bus one more time. Often of strong, resolute, passionate leaders who it’s a realization that confronting a refused to back down or compromise on challenge can’t wait for someone else – the League’s democratic principles. They pick us, not the other way around. At Convention we will honor two But it takes courage to lead in the face of League leaders with Spirit of Democracy strong resistance. awards. Sarah Leverette broke historic Former South Carolina Chief Justice ground by graduating from USC School Ernest A. Finney, Jr., a Spirit of of Law in 1943, when women had few Democracy honoree at the 2011 LWVSC career opportunities in the field of law. Barbara Zia Convention, embodies that courageous Over several decades she has engaged in President, LWVSC leadership. On graduation from SC State leadership roles in the League and in College’s School of Law in 1954, Justice women’s professional organizations, Volumes have been written on Finney found it difficult to earn a living inspiring new generations of leaders to leadership – from what it means to how to from legal work, so supplemented his take up the fight for equal justice and cultivate great leaders. No one captures it salary by teaching school and waiting good government. Mary Ann Deku, better than Rosalynn Carter: “A leader tables. Ironically, he attended his first current LWV of Spartanburg County takes people where they want to go. A meeting of the SC Bar as a waiter. (At president, exemplifies the spirit of great leader takes people where they don’t that time, blacks were denied membership democracy that the award represents. As a necessarily want to go, but ought to be.” In in the state Bar.) In 1960, Justice Finney public school educator and a volunteer a democracy like ours – one committed to devoted himself to the full-time practice community activist, Mary has dedicated full access to the rights and responsibilities of law. He defended more than 6000 herself to engaging citizens in our of citizenship – great leaders guide us clients who were arrested for participating democracy – registering voters, teaching toward fulfilling that ideal. in sit-ins, freedom rides and civics classes, leading the local 2010 Great leadership combines inspiration, demonstrations. Because the legal system Census committee, ensuring that League vision, dedication, courage and in South Carolina protected segregation, observers are at every governmental body perspiration. This is true in any type he lost almost every case that went to meeting, and making the League a organization – governmental, corporate or trial, but won all but two on appeal. In presence wherever Spartanburg County non-profit like the League of Women 1994, the state legislature elected Ernest citizens gather. Voters. In his bestseller “Good to Great” Finney to the position of Chief Justice of The sustainability of any organization, Jim Collins identifies universal the State Supreme Court, making him the including the League, depends on its distinguishing leadership characteristics first African-American Chief Justice of ability to grow and to cultivate leaders. that can take organizations from being South Carolina since Reconstruction. For our Convention in May, we are “good enough” to superior. Collins’s In 2011 the League in South Carolina planning an interactive, solutions-oriented “Level 5” leaders possess professional commemorates the 60th year since our workshop devoted to membership and will, passion for the organization and to official recognition by LWVUS. Great leadership issues. I invite you to join the produce sustained results, and personal leaders have always stepped forward in conversation. During this season of local humility; they set up their successors for times of challenge. Betty Wiggins, whose League annual meetings and state even greater success; they are plow horses, story you will read about in this issue, convention, I hope you will step up to a not show horses. I would add that great was just such a state League leader. In leadership role, whether big or small. Our leaders model principled, ethical behavior celebration of our anniversary, LWVSC ability to maintain the vitality of the that inspires others. They “do right” even has launched the Past Presidents Oral League and continue our mission of civic when being pulled in another direction. Histories Project. Committee members engagement in our state and communities Leaders are made, not born. Collins Keller Barron, Betsy Oakman, Lucille for the next 60 years depends on it. thinks potential Level 5 leaders exist all Mould and Sej Harman are doing oral around us. It’s unlikely that anyone interviews of state League presidents realized that a young Abraham Lincoln, since 1976. These oral histories will be Susan B. Anthony, Dwight Eisenhower or archived in the Modern Political ★ 2 ★ Website: www.lwvsc.org Join the League today! BIENNIAL CONVENTION How to engage members and grow Sarah Leverette – One of South continued from page 1 – leaders – Strategies that work Carolina’s first women lawyers is League study and action priorities being honored for more than 50 Convention Venue A fair and impartial state judiciary years of inspiring leadership in the Educating children to be active League of Women Voters and for and Accommodations citizens – Civics in South Carolina her advocacy on behalf of a diverse All sessions will be held at the Sumter public schools and independent state judiciary. Quality Inn Hotel, conveniently located Proposed concurrences Mary Ann Deku – An exemplary and close to points of interest like Swan Transparency in managing state LWV of Spartanburg County Lake Iris Gardens, University of South revenue to ensure funding for president, her name has been Carolina Sumter, Morris College, Shaw Air League priorities synonymous with voter registration Force Base, and Sumter County Museum. and outreach since the 1970s in For hotel reservations please call the We will present Spirit of Democracy Spartanburg. Quality Inn directly at 803-469-9001. Awards to South Carolinians who have Indicate you are with the League of made significant contributions to the A Membership Growth Award will Women Voters Convention Group and active and informed participation of be given to the local League with the request your accommodations. The LWV citizens in their government, and who greatest increase in membership since rate is: $61.00, plus tax, for single or demonstrate a commitment to democracy Convention 2009. double rooms. Free amenities include: and democratic processes in South The Saturday Evening Banquet and parking, continental breakfast, wireless Carolina. Recipients of this convention’s Pre-Banquet Reception will be held at Internet, local calls, refrigerator and Spirit of Democracy Awards are: the Sumter Quality Inn. The banquet microwave, pool, exercise room. Supreme Court Chief Justice features guest speaker Ruth A. McGregor, Food service will be provided by New Ernest A. Finney, Jr., retired – former Chief Justice of the Arizona Beginning, a renowned Sumter caterer South Carolina’s first African- Supreme Court and presentation of the who will treat us to local cuisine. American Supreme Court justice Spirit of Democracy award to Justice since Reconstruction, is being Finney. The reception with wine and hors Convention Highlights: honored for his commitment to d’oeuvres is at 6 p.m., followed by the We will be offering many dynamic advancing racial justice and to a fair banquet at 7:00. speakers, presentations, workshops and and impartial state judiciary. caucuses on topics such as: LWVSC CONVENTION 2011 REGISTRATION FORM May 14-15, 2011 • Sumter Quality Inn Hotel, 2390 Broad St., Sumter, SC 29150 LEAGUE NAME: ______DELEGATES: NON-DELEGATES/OBSERVERS: 1. ______1. ______2. ______2. ______3. ______3. ______Photocopy form for additional registrations. • Full Registration Fee (2 days) – $75 per person* • Saturday or Sunday ONLY Registration Fee (includes activities, lunch) – $35 per day • Saturday banquet only – $25 * Luncheon per day – $20 * Please indicate vegetarian meal requests. • Registration is due by May 4. $25 late fee for registrations received after May 4. • Registration fees are the same for delegates and non-delegates. • Payment is due at registration. Contact information for person making reservation: Name: ______Postal Address: ______Email Address: ______Phone: ______*Full registration fee includes: meals as scheduled, including banquet, lunches, continental breakfast; plenary sessions; presentations; training opportunities; materials. NUMBER: TOTAL: FULL REGISTRATION ______x $75 ______ONE DAY REGISTRATION ______x $35 ______SATURDAY BANQUET ONLY ______x $25 ______LUNCH (PER DAY) ______x $20 ______• Please mail with payment to LWVSC Treasurer, 119 Tant St., Clemson, SC 29631. • Cancellation refund requests must be received by May 4. • For hotel reservations please contact 803-469-9001. Daily double room rate: $61 (plus tax). Website: www.lwvsc.org Join the League today! ★ 3 ★ Legislative Advocacy Day: Coming Together for South Carolina’s Future, Our Children By Rita G. Paul, LWVSC Director, Early Care and Education/Child Welfare On February 23 just expressing their appreciation for our work over 400 women and men and dedication to children’s issues. gathered at Epworth Follow up conversations indicate the Children’s Home for need to determine the timing of LAD in Legislative Advocacy Day the future as well as best practice (LAD) 2011! approaches to creating more advocacy A planning group began locally that lends itself to developing meeting months prior to relationships with legislators across the February to determine the focus and extent of LAD. As a result, this year the LWVSC expanded our partnership to include the United Methodist Women, along with our past partners the SC School Improvement Council and American Association of University Women of SC. The format of the day included meetings with legislators at the Statehouse, tours of the Statehouse and workshops Citizen advocates listen intently to speakers at at Epworth. We begin by LAD press conference at Statehouse. sharing League developed talking points as well as “leave behind” information for those meeting with legislators. Over 200 participants made the trip to the Statehouse and Leaders from 4 LAD partnering organizations shared valuable addressed the need to invest in the state’s children information with at a Statehouse press conference. Left to right: Cassie Barber, SC School Improvement Council legislators and staff Exec. Dir.; Barbara Zia, LWVSC Pres.; Patricia regarding the shared Batten, AAUW SC Pres.; Linda Durant, SC positions of each of our Conference United Methodist Women President. groups around education and child preceded a rousing session welfare. Simultaneous workshops with Dr. Mike Fanning, continued at Epworth centering on Director of Olde English legislative issues, training for citizen Consortium, on advocates, and learning about Epworth – comprehensive tax reform, followed by a state. While there are decisions to be its children and history. presentation on the status of SC’s made and discussions to continue with After a working lunch that included education funding by CFO Bob Davis, regard to the focus and magnitude of LAD famed Epworth Peanut Butter Ice Cream, Richland School District 2. going forward, all in all, it was truly a participants heard from Epworth We had visits in the afternoon from ground-breaking day – to have so many President, Rev. John Holler, with critical several state legislators, including Sen. focused on such important issues at the statistics on childcare and child welfare in Vincent Sheheen, Rep. Paul Agnew, Rep. same place at the same time! our state. Rev. Holler’s presentation Bruce Bannister, Rep. Chandra Dillard, all ★ 4 ★ Website: www.lwvsc.org Join the League today! Betty Wiggins - A Tribute By Sheila M. Haney, PhD, past LWVSC President, LWV of Darlington County founder Born and reared in Hartsville, predecessor’s term. Two days later, after a Elizabeth McArn Campbell Wiggins smooth transition to the presidency, Betty (“Betty”) attended public schools and gave the state League’s position on water graduated from Agnes Scott College. policy in Columbia to the U.S. Senate Marrying Joseph Wiggins from a Select Committee on Water Resources and prominent city family in 1948, they would was complimented by that entity. have a son Lawton, and share their mutual An early state League history quoted interest in preservation of the environment her remarks at the close of the 1961 for a lifetime. As I dropped League state League Convention as she information into her back door open box, addressed the delegates: I always took a minute to appreciate her So we haven’t gotten a new kitchen and flower gardens. Since the Constitution or women on juries. Wiggins lived on a main city artery, a But I’m sure many more people front yard corner was always planted to have been exposed to both subjects catch your eye. Betty was long part of the and made aware of the problems Hartsville tree advisory committee. She involved. Meanwhile, we have had always enjoyed outdoor sports acquired more political know-how; (swimming, skiing, etc.) and even formed more knowledge as to the a womens group to enjoy these activities possibilities of getting legislative together. Throughout her adult life, she action. This groundwork and When the local League was again active was a faithful member of the city’s background may yet pay off – Let’s in 1991, Betty continued her membership Episcopal Church. not lose sight of why we want to and participated in a number of projects. Betty, a lovely, dedicated, competent strengthen our Leagues and expand In 2005, when Hartsville hosted the state woman, was involved in the League of the S.C. League: not just to get League convention, Betty was honored for Women Voters much of her adulthood. specific local and state legislation her service before 50-some state delegates. Not only had she maintained her passed – but because our main aim I recognized the obituary photo was mine membership until her death but she was is to stimulate an awareness of the taken in her kitchen after she had changed also a charter member when Hartsville’s individual’s responsibility in into her lovely green velvet robe. She has first local League was created in 1952. government – That is quite a goal to already been missed by the LWV of Betty served on the state Board in 1957 as attain, but let’s not underestimate Darlington County. Thank you, Betty, for Voters Service chair, and was appointed the value of results achieved while your example. by the members in 1960 to serve as striving towards it. president in 1960-1961 completing a Lobbying for the Environment By Brusi Alexander, LWVSC Co-Director, Natural Resources The League of Women Voters had an The Subcommittee had a positive in a 12-month period to undergo a excellent, enthusiastic Conservation response and ultimately voted Rep. Mike comprehensive audit of what caused the Lobby Day at the Statehouse on February Pitts’ Phosphorus Bill, H.3470, out of spill and fix the problems identified. The 15th. We were updated beforehand on the Subcommittee with a favorable report. conservation community continues to latest action priorities by South Carolina H.3470 would prohibit the use, sale or work with the wastewater utility industry Conservation Voters’ Debbie Parker. manufacture of dishwashing detergents to craft a bill that treats all utilities fairly Many of us also attended a standing- containing phosphates, a harmful and helps chronic violators come into room-only subcommittee meeting in the chemical found in lakes and rivers. compliance. A great need exists to have afternoon. Phosphorus is already banned in 15 states some safeguards for the public and our The main bills we promoted were the because it kills fish and lowers waterways on this issue. Phosphorus Bill (H.3617). We had good recreational revenues and home values. In attendance at the LWV’s Lobby Day interaction with representatives we had After much discussion, the Three were Sheila C. Gallagher, Carol Kososki, targeted, and even got a commitment from Strikes Bill was carried over for further Ryan Nevius, Peggy Brown, Rev. May M. Rep. Nathan Ballentine to be a co-sponsor. consideration at the next Subcommittee Finklea, Becky Carr, Pam Greenlaw, Ann The House Agriculture and Natural meeting to allow stakeholders time for Jennings, Ivey Kaiser, Caitlyn Ruble, Resources Subcommittee discussed both negotiations. H.3617 would require any Karen Crane and Brusi Alexander. of these priority bills and heard testimony. utility with three spills over 5,000 gallons Website: www.lwvsc.org Join the League today! ★ 5 ★ Criminal Justice/Juvenile Justice By Robin Kimbrough-Melton, JD, LWVSC Director, Criminal/Juvenile Justice

supervision. Over the long term, the documents a series of threats to children’s Merger of Corrections proposal is expected to save money by well-being, including rising poverty, and Parole agencies eliminating duplicative staff positions and increasing unemployment, home avoiding the need to build more prisons. foreclosures and loss of health insurance. proposed The report is available at: Following the enactment of Report: About half of http://childlaw.sc.edu/JointCommittee.asp. comprehensive sentencing reform last The Joint Citizens and Legislative year, the General Assembly is considering state’s children Committee was recently refunded after a legislation (H.3267) to merge the live in poverty long period of dormancy. The bipartisan Department of Corrections and the In its first annual report since the early joint committee, which consists of six Department of Probation, Parole and 1990s, the Joint Citizens and Legislative appointed legislators, three appointed Pardons. The proposal is intended to Committee on Children presented an citizens and six state agency officials, facilitate the implementation of increasingly dismal picture for children in has endorsed several pieces of sentencing reform by shifting non-violent South Carolina that is likely to worsen legislation designed to improve the offenders, like drug users, from the with the economic crisis. The report juvenile justice system. prisons to intensive community Alcoholic Beverage Container (ABC) Recycling Bill S.461 Moves to Full Senate By Peggy Brown, LWVSC Co-Director, Natural Resources

Many thanks to the Leaguers who The Clemson University Jim Self this: All commodities (corrugated paper; responded to the action alert and Center’s Recycling Industries Strategic glass, aluminum and plastic containers) contacted their senators on the Judiciary Plan for 2010 points out that recycling are received or served in recyclable Committee in mid-March. Once again it offers alternatives to waste disposal that materials at ABC establishments. It only proves that contact from constituents pays avoid disposal costs for industry and makes sense to begin a structured off. S.461 passed with a 12-9 vote. taxpayers, as well as revenue from the recycling program with this sector. Senators voting for the bill were Paul sale of recyclables. Recycling provides S.461 would require establishments to Campbell, Ray Cleary, Creighton significant benefits, including material for develop recycling plans guided by DHEC. Coleman, Robert Ford, Brad Hutto, new products made from recycled content Minimal funding for the bill comes from Gerald Malloy, Larry Martin, Shane as well as a growth projection increase of the Governor’s Task Force on Litter with Martin, Floyd Nicholson, Mike Rose, 12% for direct and indirect jobs over the money going equally to DHEC and the John Scott and Vincent Sheheen. Special next five years. Daily there are Department of Revenue for thanks go to Sens. Cleary and Campbell discussions and issues with landfill implementation and enforcement. Permit for their in-depth explanation and defense permitting, locations and costs for applications or renewals would get a 10% of the bill during the Committee hearing. disposal and reducing the carbon discount for eight years if there is a Please take this opportunity to thank footprint. The challenge is recovering the recycling plan that does not include glass, Committee Senators for their support, marketable material before it reaches and a 25% discount for applications and while asking them to continue to support landfills. S.461 has the capability to renewals that have a glass recycling plan. S.461, as the bill will make a positive jumpstart our rather stagnant voluntary (The bill provides establishments without impact on our state’s economy. recycling plan. access to glass recyclers three years to Currently South Carolina recycles S.461 calls for establishments that have implement glass recycling.) At the approximately 22% of its waste, far below a permit for on-site consumption of Subcommittee meeting a Texas glass- the state goal of 35%. In 2009 an alcohol to implement a recycling program recycling executive testified that the estimated 400,000 tons of recyclable over the next two years. S.461 will create company is profiting from recycled glass material went to landfills, while it cost a valuable recycling presence, where the and would build a facility in South taxpayers over $15 million to dispose of heaviest recyclable materials are Carolina if S.461 passes. Our state can’t recyclables (based on $35 tipping fee). generated and easiest to recover. Consider afford to “waste” this opportunity. ★ 6 ★ Website: www.lwvsc.org Join the League today! Draw the Lines, South Carolina By Suzanne Rhodes, LWVSC Co-Director, Redistricting growth (by almost 150% to about 5% of • Do not draw unusually large districts The Process the state population), and “other” ethnic that have little in common in the State Legislature group also grew significantly. Horry, geographically. On March 2nd the Senate Judiciary York, Dorchester and Beaufort counties • Adhere to the non-retrogression standard Subcommittee on Redistricting met for the saw the greatest population increases. in Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act first time, chaired by Sen. Glenn Visit the Census Bureau’s interactive map that disallows voting changes that make McConnell. All Subcommittee members widget at minority voters “worse off” under the attended: Sens. Robert Ford, Larry Martin, http://lwvsc.org/Redistricting.html to view new system. the history of apportionment, our Bradley Hutto, Gerald Malloy, Raymond Local Government. Most of the public country’s changing population since the Cleary and Phillip Shoopman. focus is on drawing lines for past century, and 2010 Census data for Subcommittee chief counsel Charlie congressional and state legislative South Carolina and other states. Terreni, who served on Subcommittee legal districts, including South Carolina's new staff 10 years ago, will do the technical 7th Congressional District. But as work. Debbie Hammond is working on the YOU Can Play importantly, redistricting also applies to website and public hearings. Senate the Redistricting Game county councils, school boards and in Judiciary counsel Katherine Wells is U.S. Congress and S.C. General some cases, to city or town councils and involved with reviewing the plans and Assembly Districts. Census data allow the wards in municipalities that have single public participation. General Assembly to begin the redrawing member districts. The meeting’s very scripted discussion of boundary lines for the state House and focused on the need for transparency and Use general points above in Senate and Congressional districts. The public participation. Sen. McConnell discussions with local officials. first step in the process is for the SC reported that in 2011, compared with Here are specific questions to ask House and Senate to hold public hearings 2001, there is greater time pressure owing regarding drawing lines for county across South Carolina to gain public to upcoming Senate elections (and council, city/town council and input. A schedule of public hearings is at factoring in the pre-clearance process with school board districts: http://lwvsc.org/whatsnew.html. Department of Justice). The Subcommittee • What are officials’ plans for redrawing Public hearings are an opportunity to initially planned eight geographically district lines and how they plan to learn from each legislative body how they dispersed public hearings in April to come solicit public input? If councils have are proceeding with the redrawing of up with criteria on which to base rules & single member districts or wards, ask district lines. These hearings are also a rationale for statewide plans. Sen. Hutto’s about that too. chance for citizens to provide input about proposal to add meetings to accommodate district boundaries as well. Testimony • County councils reapportion themselves. rural citizens, one each in Orangeburg and from these public hearings may be entered What is time frame for county councils? Sumter, was approved. into the record for the courts to consider. When and how do they plan to solicit Technological advances in 2011 will Please try to attend hearings in your area public input? make census data, updates and and make public comment. Citizens are • District lines for school board seats will communication that might develop welcome to speak about why their be determined in local legislation by available on official state websites almost communities should be kept together when county legislative delegations. As this immediately. There are several ways to district lines are drawn. Bring your own likely won’t happen in the 2011 access the redistricting pages: at redistricting map – even a drugstore map legislative session, there should be time www.scstatehouse.gov/, go to the Senate with an outline drawn by a marker will do. for League members and the public to page under ‘roll call vote’, or “R” on the draw maps, ask questions and offer input ‘citizens interest’ page; and to to their county delegations, individually http://redistricting.scsenate.gov/. The Points to stress with legislators: or collectively. Single member seats latter site has links to U.S. Department of •Current and planned districts should: should converge as much as possible Justice and Census Bureau. be fair and reflect the diversity of around one or two high school The House, led by Judiciary Chair Jim the state and local area; attendance area. This is also an Harrison, began its redistricting work the include members with common opportunity to raise the question of week of March 28. interests (e.g., ethnic, racial, rural, urban, suburban, governmental whether some at-large seats are needed boundaries such as counties, natural to ensure adequate representation of The Numbers growing areas of the county/school Census data became public on March boundaries like rivers); district between censuses. 24th. To no one’s surprise, South Carolina be drawn so as to keep communities has grown more urban and diverse. and counties intact (Note: intact Hispanics had the greatest population communities increase the chances of electing minorities.). Website: www.lwvsc.org Join the League today! ★ 7 ★ School Vouchers . . . Again? By Jon Butzon, LWVSC Director, K-12 Education LWVSC has consistently opposed the electricity remain the same or increase The issues and factors contributing to passage of vouchers to use public monies with inflation. So unless enough students any school’s low performance are to pay for private, including homeschool, leave to eliminate staff (because a complex and vary from school to school education. We oppose vouchers in any and majority of a school’s budget is tied up and cannot be eliminated simply through all of their iterations, including tax credits in personnel), expenses remain the same a tax credit or voucher program. And – and for good reason. Read on. while per pupil revenues decrease, finally, the most important relevant and For the seventh year in a row, the SC resulting in loss and not savings. Finally, disturbing point is in reality, it is not the General Assembly is considering a the cost of tax credits to state’s general student who chooses which private voucher bill, S.414. This bill would give fund will impact every other state school he or she will attend; it is the tax credits to individuals to pay private services from health care to prisons. private school that chooses which school tuition and to offset the costs of • They are UNACCCOUNTABLE – students it wants to attend. home schooling, and give individuals and Public dollars will be used to fund •And they are UNFAIR – Only 15% of businesses tax credits up to the full value private education for a select few with South Carolina wage earners would of taxes owed with no other limit for absolutely no public accountability of qualify for the full amount of the tax contribution to so-called scholarship how the money is spent, the quality of credit in this bill; 72% would qualify for granting organizations that pay private- schools receiving the money, or what only half the tax credit; 41% would school tuition for lower-income children. academic achievement results they qualify for no tax credit. This is the tax produce. Private and religious schools credit for just one child. For taxpayers There are numerous specific are not required to follow the same state with two children: 94.7% don’t qualify reasons to oppose S.414, but here and federal education accountability for the full credit; 85% qualify for only are just a few to consider: requirements of public schools such as half; 41% qualify for no tax credit. And content standards, annual testing, annual only the wealthiest 1.1% of taxpayers • They are UNAFFORDABLE – The school report cards, or hiring highly would qualify for the full tax credit for fiscal impact statements on past voucher qualified teachers. three children. and tuition tax credit bills in South • They are UNPROVEN – There is no We expect our policymakers to step up Carolina have ranged from more than conclusive evidence that vouchers and and lead the state forward to a complete $84 million to $560 million. Savings tuition tax credits improve student and competitive education for every child. claims purported by voucher proponents academic achievement or target the We do not support a strategy like tax have proven to be false. The reason is student populations they purport to help. credits and vouchers that avoids dealing simple: School revenues decrease as For every study cited by voucher with the problems and abandons our students leave, while expenditures for proponents applauding the impact of children and public schools. Contact your fixed expenses such as heating/air voucher/tuition tax credit programs, legislators and tell them so. conditioning, transportation and there is another study to say otherwise. State Budget Update By Holley Ulbrich, PhD, LWVSC Director, State and Local Taxation The budget process this year has been We urge you to talk to your legislators reassessment of property to current market less painful than expected, but still about expanding the sales tax base by value when it is sold. The League opposes painful. K-12 education was largely eliminating some exemptions and this bill because it shifts the tax burden to protected, but higher education took yet broadening coverage of services. These properties that are not appreciating and/or another budget whack in the bill approved changes would help to keep sales tax reduces local government revenue growth by the House in March. Other concerns revenue growth in line with growth of from property taxes, which is already for the League are the proposals to defund population and personal income. slowed by Act 388. If you need talking for the Arts Commission and ETV/radio, Several bills that affect school districts points on either bill, check out the tax both of which are important to education. and local governments still in the hopper briefs on the Strom Thurmond Institute The TRAC recommendations on are of concern to the League. S.310 and web site (www.strom.clemson.edu) under updating the revenue system have been H.3239, both revising the Index of the Jim Self Center on the Future. largely ignored, despite the multi- Taxpaying Ability (ITA) so as not to Keep an eye on the budget battle as it organization (including LWVSC) coalition redistribute state EFA funds away from moves to the Senate and from there to the that rallied for a moral budget at the poorer districts, are on the back burner. governor, who is likely to make liberal Statehouse in March. One of the points The League supports both bills. Point of use of her line-item veto power. emphasized by this coalition was the need sale reassessment (H.3548) is still very to address the revenue side of the budget. contentious. This bill would eliminate the ★ 8 ★ Website: www.lwvsc.org Join the League today! Can South Carolina Learn from Japan? By Suzanne Rhodes, LWVSC Off-Board Director, Nuclear Energy After a thorough technical review, the commercial nuclear fuel rods to SRS. The are proposed as “affordable” is that implications for South Carolina of the LWVSC has opposed this. Unless there is ratepayers are on a trajectory to pay prior Japanese earthquake and tsunami can be a site-specific safety issue, high-level to reactor construction, and federal expected to affect spent fuel storage waste should remain where it is generated guarantees are anticipated. practices. The packing of spent fuel pools until a suitable waste management Unit 3 at the Fukushima site used beyond their initial design capacity has solution is identified and demonstrated. Mixed Oxide (MOX) uranium/plutonium been recognized as a potential problem for The industry as well as the various entities fuel; this is the reactor where workers years, and removal of older, cooler fuel to that currently benefit from the nuclear were contaminated when they walked dry casks is likely to become more widely industry can participate actively in finding through water. A $5 billion federal practiced. Duke Power has a very large a permanent solution. program to fabricate MOX fuel at SRS accumulation of spent fuel in pools and The GE “Mark I” reactor design that may be compromised as a result of the also in dry casks; Duke is likely to receive failed in Japan has not been built in South Japanese experience and technical review attention, and hopefully provide Carolina. However, U.S. reactors similar of the concept. leadership for a national program of to the Fukushima reactor together produce On the lighter side, although some hardened on-site spent fuel storage – about 3% of the nation’s electricity, and Japanese wind turbines stopped operating sometimes called “HOSS.” safety officials assessed in 1971 that they as a result of grid failure caused by the Since 1995, the LWVUS has opposed are vulnerable. Just as reactors similar to earthquake and tsunami, most Japanese congressional efforts to designate Yucca the 1979 Three-Mile Island reactors were wind turbines were fully operational, Mountain, Nevada, as a permanent or closed for review, these reactors could be including the semi-offshore wind farm temporary repository for nuclear waste closed for review. that is located about 300 km from the before studies verify site suitability and The issue of likely costs of future epicenter of the quake. Six wind farms in safety issues. reactor construction is finally receiving northern Japan that stopped running after Boosters of the Savannah River Site some impartial scrutiny. The only reasons the earthquake resumed power in the have “invited” the industry to send spent the Georgia and South Carolina reactors wake of the disaster. SC Chief Justice Jean Toal Receives Sandra Day O’Connor Award for the Advancement of Civics Eduation By Barbara Zia, President, LWVSC The League of Women Voters of South arguments; the Case of the Month our nation’s system of separation of Carolina congratulates Chief Justice Jean Program, which provides streaming video powers and highlighting the vital need for H. Toal of the South Carolina Supreme of a case argued before the state Supreme protecting a fair and independent Court on her receipt of the inaugural Court; and the South Carolina Supreme judiciary. National Center for State Courts “Sandra Court Institute, which is held for middle- Last fall, the League of Women Voters Day O’Connor Award for the and high-school social studies teachers to of South Carolina launched a state-wide Advancement of Civics Education.” The teach them how to bring law to life for civic education campaign that aims to award was established in 2010 to honor an their students, Justice Toal enriches our promote transparency, independence, and organization, court, or individual who has students’ understanding of their diversity on the South Carolina courts. promoted, inspired, improved, or led an government and enables them to be better- Through the next year and beyond, innovation or accomplishment in the field informed citizens. League chapters across the state will hold of civics education. Civics education is central to the public education events, activities, and We applaud Chief Justice Toal’s efforts mission of the League of Women Voters. programs that aim to increase public to bring civics education into the Since 1920, our organization has knowledge about the third branch of classroom for South Carolina students. encouraged informed and active government. Through her support for programs such as participation in government, working to We thank Justice Toal for her work to the “iCivics” web-based interactive civics increase citizen understanding of and educate the public about our state’s justice education program; the “Justice Case influence on major public policy issues system. Know that you have dedicated Files” educational graphic novel series; through education and advocacy. partners in the members of the League of the Class Action Program, which brings Specifically, for the last ten years, the Women Voters of South Carolina. middle- and- high school students to the League of Women Voters Education Fund state Supreme Court to hear oral has focused on educating the public about Website: www.lwvsc.org Join the League today! ★ 9 ★ South Carolina’s Voting Machines II: Auditing the Voting Machines By Duncan Buell, PhD, LWVSC Election Technology Specialist; Eleanor Hare, PhD, LWVSC Director In the 2011 Winter SC Voter we Because the above errors had been files are complete, produce a recount of described problems with counting the discovered and the information on the an election. Although a recount is required November 2010 votes in Colleton and PEBs and flash memory cards entered in by law in some circumstances (SC Code Lancaster counties and incorrect the Election Report Manager, the data of Laws: SECTION 7-7-280. Mandatory information at the State Election files for the election contained the recounts) no actual recount of the ballots Commission (SEC). In this issue we corrected information. Our group is done in South Carolina. Instead, the describe problems with counting the vote rediscovered these errors when attempting SEC instructs the counties to sum the in Richland, Horry and Charleston counties to reconcile the data in the files with the totals from the precincts a second time by and present additional detail on the cost of certified vote totals. We probably would collecting summary information from the operating the state’s Election Systems & not have been able to identify the cause of PEBs a second time. And they do indeed Software (ES&S) voting equipment. these errors if the uncounted votes had not sometimes get a different count. Marci been added to the Election Report Andino, SEC Executive Director, Counting the Votes Manager data files. attributes a different result to a county Another type of error occurred in election director’s omitting a PEB from in November 2010 Gadsden and Riverside precincts, where the initial count. The recount that the SEC Richland County provides examples of 1454 certified votes were missing from is not doing is now being conducted under poll worker error. Poll workers are the vote image file, which we used to the auspices of the LWVSC.i instructed to collect votes from the voting audit the count of votes reported on each If the record of the actions of the machines on a Personal Electronic Ballot machine. When vote information is Election Report Manager, the manual (PEB) and remove the flash memory cards missing from the vote image file, the adjustment log file, the vote image file, (similar to the memory card in a digital correctness of the reported vote cannot be and the event log file are available, an camera) when they close the machines. verified. Missing the file of votes cast on audit can confirm that votes from all Both the PEB and the flash memory are to a machine is analogous to an accountant voting machines are correctly reported. be returned to the county election office finding a payment, but not a But, the files obtained from the counties on election night for use in computing the corresponding invoice. This kind of error are rarely complete, making an audit total vote, but in Bluff Precinct could have been detected, but was not. difficult, and sometimes impossible. information from only two of eight voting Horry County. We are finding Another auditing problem is verification machines was collected on the PEB. anomalies, including 114 uncounted votes in of the total votes when elections officials Someone in Richland County observed one precinct, but analysis is not complete. enter many votes manually. In Richland that only 254 votes were certified for Horry County electronic files are missing County, thousands of votes were manually Bluff Precinct but thought that the voter some data from 53 of 125 precincts. entered into the system on Election Night – turnout was much higher. When the Charleston County also provided sometimes incorrectly. voting machines used in Bluff Precinct incomplete vote image files, preventing In most counties paper ballots were located, they had not been properly an accurate audit. There were 5,499 votes (absentee, failsafe, etc.) are read on an M- closed, their information had not been certified in the June primary and 93,549 100 optical scanner, which produces a collected to a PEB, and the compact flash votes certified in the November General paper tape and an electronic record on a memory cards had not been removed. It Election for which Charleston County card, but does not produce electronic files was too late to include the uncounted 772 has not been able to produce electronic that we can use for auditing. SEC votes in the certified totals. vote images. procedures call for rescanning the ballots Also, too few votes were reported in Colleton County update. The SEC using the same scanner that counted them Ward 21. Violating protocol, poll workers called in technical experts from ES&S the first time – a procedure that may not used two PEBs to close six voting when neither Colleton County nor the detect the types of problems that usually terminals. The 339 votes from one PEB SEC was able to produce a reliable report occur with paper ballots. were included in the certified totals, but of the vote cast. The problems we have uncovered are 355 votes on the second PEB were not. We intend to report on additional not fraud and are not even the result of the Poll worker errors in Bluff Precinct counties in future issues. known flaws in the programs that control and Ward 21 caused the failure to count the calculations. These problems are the 1127 votes. These poll worker errors Problems in result of poll workers not following could have been detected by procedures instructions, PEBs and flash memory that accounted for all PEBs and flash Conducting the Audit cards not being counted at the county memory cards. The current ongoing audit of voting data from electronic data files can, if the continued on page 11 – ★ 10 ★ Website: www.lwvsc.org Join the League today! Voting Machines II: 7% across-the-board increase over continued from page 10 – contracts for the previous year. Counties Task Force on Alternative also pay state sales tax on these and all Voting Technologies office, and the absence of computer other purchases from ES&S. programs to check that all machines have Sumter, Greenville, Lexington and The LWVSC Board voted to create a had their votes correctly recorded. The York are among the counties that have Task Force on Alternative Voting stress of long hours and the pressure to purchased used, refurbished iVotronics, Technologies at its regular meeting, produce vote totals quickly for the media costing about $2,000 each. Additional March 12 on election night make the current voting costs include preparation of audio ballots (http://lwvsc.org/files/alternativevotingte system even more unreliable. Regrettably, by ES&S, replacement of batteries, and chnologiestaskforce.pdf). The task force, the audit of the electronic data files cannot repairs not covered by contracts. co-chaired by Duncan Buell and Eleanor be relied upon to detect hacking of the Hare, will survey published literature on system because the files themselves could ii This audit is being conducted under the voting technologies, beginning with have been altered. auspices of LWVSC by Dr. Duncan Buell, studies conducted by other Leagues. The Mr. Frank Heindel, Mr. Chip Moore and task force is charged with making More on Election Costs regular reports to the state Board and the South Carolina counties will pay over Dr. Eleanor Hare. For more information membership. Members interested in one million dollarsii this spring to ES&S, see http://lwvsc.org/audit.html. being involved in this task force can the manufacturer of our voting system, for contact Duncan ([email protected]) or annual “break/fix” and firmware ii http://clemsonarea.sc.lwvnet.org/files/E Eleanor ([email protected]). contracts. This year’s contracts contain a SSspreadsheet.pdf Thanks to An Outgoing Coach and Welcome to An Incoming Coach By Janie Shipley, LWVSC Vice President, Member Services Due to unforeseen circumstances, Sue Sue is being replaced by Vera Stang, a sponsor, and after the rally were able to Myers has had to resign her position as State Greenville League member. Vera attended rendezvous with Columbia Leaguers. Vera Coach for the Membership Recruitment the state MRI training as a representative of will also be working as a coach for the Initiative. Sue was very involved in her local League and has hit the ground Darlington League. arranging the state training that LWVUS running. She arranged a meeting with League members are invited to conducted eight months ago for seven SC members of the Columbia League, to whom participate in the MRI session at the state local Leagues who are participating in the she has been assigned as a coach, within a Convention and get acquainted with the MRI project. We thank Sue for her work week of her new assignment. Recently she state coaching team. with the MRI project and wish her well as and her husband attended the Rally for a she works to regain her health. Moral Budget, of which LWVSC was a co- IMPORTANT LEAGUE DATES: 7th Saturday, Last day to register to vote in June 7th state April 2011 primary election. 10th-16th National Volunteer Week 13th Friday, 6 p.m., LWVSC Board Meeting follows dinner. 12th Tuesday, 7 p.m., Charleston Redistricting Forum. Swan Lake Iris Gardens, 822 W. Liberty St., Sumter* Call 803-251-2726 for details. 14th-15th Saturday-Sunday, LWVSC Convention, Sumter. 16th Saturday, 12 noon Registration & Lunch, 1 p.m. Hosted by LWV/Sumter County. Program, Florence Redistricting Forum, Weed & Seed, 1113 Oakland Ave., Florence. Free & open to all. 31st Monday, Memorial Day 22nd Friday, Earth Day June 2011 May 2011 3rd Tuesday, First regular session of the 119th South Carolina General Assembly adjourns, Columbia. 1st Sunday, Law Day 7th Tuesday, South Carolina Primary Election Day 3rd Tuesday, Annual Conservation Lobby Day (a Conservation Common Agenda event), Columbia. 17th-20th LWVUS Council Meeting, Washington, DC * All members of the League of Women Voters of South Carolina are welcome to attend LWVSC board meetings. Website: www.lwvsc.org Join the League today! ★ 11 ★ Nonprofit Org. LWV SC Voter U.S. Postage P-A-I-D Post Office Box 8453 Columbia SC Columbia, SC 29202 Permit #1365 The SC Voter Spring 2011 Volume 60 Issue 4 Established in 1951, the League of Women Voters of South Carolina is a nonpartisan, political organization that encourages citizens to play an informed and active role in government. At the local, state, and national levels, the League works to influence public policy through education and advocacy. Any citizen of voting age, male or female, may become a League member. All members receive the National Voter, the SC Voter, and a newsletter from their local League. President: Barbara Zia Editor: Laurel Suggs Published by: The League of Women Voters of SC PO Box 8453 Columbia, SC 29202 Phone & Fax: (803) 251-2726 Website: www.lwvsc.org

LWVSC Along With Other Opponents of Photo Voter ID HOLD PRESS CONFERENCE

★ 12 ★ Website: www.lwvsc.org Join the League today!