Lexington County voters will have a choice Nov. 6.

Do they want to continue to elect SC Superintendents of Education or let the governor appoint them?

Many superintendents have said the election system requires lots of time to campaign which cuts into their time on the job.

Supporters of the election system say this is another way to take away voters’ rights and let politicians appoint superintendents.

Here is the statewide Constitutional Amendment question and explanation in the Nov. 6 general election:

Amendment 1

Must Section 7, Article VI of the Constitution of this State, relating to state constitutional officers, be amended so as to provide that beginning in January 2023, or upon a vacancy in the office of Superintendent of Education after the date of the ratification of the provisions of this paragraph, whichever occurs first, the Superintendent of Education must be appointed by the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate; to provide that the appointed Superintendent of Education shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor; and to require the General Assembly to provide by law for the duties, compensation, and qualifications for the office?

A ‘Yes’ vote will require the Superintendent of Education be appointed by the Governor with the consent of the Senate. A ‘No’ vote maintains the current method of electing a Superintendent of Education.

The question is based on H3156 that lawmakers passed. The explanation was developed by the Constitutional Ballot Commission – the Attorney General, the Executive Director of the State Election Commission and the Director of the Legislative Council.