Resolution for Election Transparency and Accountability

WHEREAS, former State Election Commission Director Howard Knapp and

Deputy Director were fired and criminally charged, raising serious concerns

about ethics, leadership, and oversight; and

WHEREAS, a $4 million cost overrun on new ballot scanners that count votes but

operate as “black boxes” further undermines public trust; and

WHEREAS, Article II, Section 1 of the South Carolina Constitution says: “All

elections by the people shall be by secret ballot, but the ballots shall not be

counted in secret”; and

WHEREAS, transparency and public access are essential for verifying election

accuracy and restoring voter confidence;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Lexington County Republican Party

calls on Attorney General Alan Wilson to continue fully investigating all matters

surrounding the Knapp administration, including the ballot scanner contract and

election integrity;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Lexington County Republican Party

reaffirms its unwavering commitment to election integrity and public trust, and

calls upon the South Carolina General Assembly to enact legislation

guaranteeing full transparency in ballot counting, consistent with the

constitutional mandate that “ballots shall not be counted in secret.”

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Approved unanimously by the Lexington County Republican Party

Executive Committee on November 3, 2025.