06/05/2026
As requested at the meeting last night, we are providing a copy and paste (in quotes) of our Sumter Senator Jeff Zell’s statement regarding his vote on redistricting. This statement has not been edited and provides a clear common sense explanation.
“Neighbors,
Integrity remains the guiding principle behind my decision on this issue, not partisanship.
Yesterday, I voted “no” on redistricting South Carolina’s congressional districts. This was one of the most consequential issues a lawmaker will ever face and vote on. I understand the importance of fair representation, the concerns many South Carolinians raised about the current maps, and my responsibility to my constituents. However, fair maps require verified information, and that was lacking.
Over the past week, I dedicated countless hours reviewing committee testimony, engaging in Senate debate, and listening directly to constituents regarding congressional redistricting. I met with citizens across South Carolina and carefully examined the diverse feedback from voters on both sides of this debate.
Last week, I supported advancing this discussion despite concerns that we might not reach a final vote before in-person voting began. I firmly believe that major decisions like congressional redistricting must undergo a deliberate and transparent process, including public hearings, independent analysis, and meaningful public input before elections commence.
Until Tuesday, I supported allowing this legislation to go through the normal process for full debate and public consideration before the election process started. When voting began, the circumstances changed fundamentally.
It became clear that the necessary standards had not been met. My conscience wouwld not allow me to proceed with altering district lines during an active election. By the time of the Senate vote yesterday, 26,000 ballots had already been cast, and by day's end, that number had grown to 55,000.
This proposal even contains errors that have not been properly vetted or validated. The last congressional redistricting process took nearly nine months, involved extensive debate, amendments, public input, and careful data review. In stark contrast, we were being asked to rush a major redistricting proposal with no meaningful amendment process, limited debate, no opportunity for public feedback, and insufficient validation of the underlying data. That level of transparency, diligence, and responsibility is unacceptable.
I want to be clear: I strongly support redistricting and believe it can positively impact our region and state. My vote yesterday was not a rejection of redistricting itself but a response to concerns about the timing, process, and integrity of moving forward after voting had already begun.
If this process had started months earlier or early voting had not already begun, my vote might have been different. I attempted to support moving the process forward more quickly, but those efforts were ultimately unsuccessful.
The final question was whether to continue a process that would effectively alter ballots after votes had already been cast. After careful consideration, I could not support that outcome.
As of today, tens of thousands of South Carolinians, including members of our military overseas, have already cast their ballots. Redrawing districts during an active election jeopardizes fairness, stability, public confidence, and the integrity of our electoral system.
Changing district lines after voting has started would nearly certainly lead to years of litigation, voter confusion, and costly legal battles. Similar efforts in other states have resulted in prolonged court disputes with uncertain outcomes.
Practically, reality must take precedence over political ambitions. South Carolinians deserve certainty and stability in their elections, not chaos and confusion amid ongoing voting.
Let me be crystal clear: I will not be influenced by political activists on either side. My duty is to act in the best interest of the people and uphold the integrity of our elections.
For these reasons, I voted yesterday to postpone this matter. Not everyone will agree, but I am confident this is the correct decision. My vote reflects a steadfast commitment to fairness, integrity, and stability, and I owe voters honest, transparent reasons for that stance.
I am proud and honored to serve all of the citizens of Senate District 36.”
Senator Jeff Zell
