Never in my wildest imagination did I think I would be called into special session over Memorial Day weekend and have to argue that military members and their spouses deserve to have their votes counted after they already cast their ballots.
But here we are.
South Carolina is trying to rush through new congressional maps while the election process is already underway. Military and overseas voters followed the rules. They requested their ballots. They voted. They sent them back.
Now, because politicians want to change the maps at the last minute, those voters could have their ballots thrown out through no fault of their own.
That is unacceptable.
I have an amendment that says if the congressional primaries are moved to August, those military and overseas voters should automatically receive a new ballot for the new primary.
That should not be controversial.
But apparently, some folks are fighting me on it.
Some days it feels like I am living in the upside down. It is Memorial Day weekend, and I am having to fight to protect the voting rights of the very people serving our country.
If we say we support our veterans, our military members, and their families, then we should start by making sure their votes count.
Standing strong. Holding the line.