Danny Ford II was barred this week from being on the Aug. 11 primary ballot because he did not vote in at least two of the past three SCGOP primary elections. That rule was not in place during the June 9 primary election when Ford was on the ballot for agriculture commissioner. It went into effect July 1.
In a lawsuit out of Richland County, Ford argues the voting rule is unconstitutional. He also argues he did vote in this year's GOP primary and its runoff election.
The lawsuit asks for Ford to be reinstated onto the ballot. Circuit Court Judge Daniel Coble is slated to hear arguments in the case Monday, Aug. 3. Early voting in the primary election begins Aug 6.
A runoff election, if necessary, will be held Aug. 25.
