COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - The House has approved a measure affirming voters’ decision that gubernatorial candidates should pick their running mate starting in 2018.
The 97-2 vote Tuesday comes 18 months after voters approved the ballot question by 55 percent. Another vote will send the bill to the governor’s desk. The Senate passed the measure 39-1 last year.
The measure will ratify voters’ decision and change the state constitution. This is the last year voters will choose the lieutenant governor.
The amendment also changes who presides over the Senate and how a vacancy in the No. 2 office would be filled. It calls for the Senate to choose its own presiding officer, starting in 2019.
If the lieutenant governor’s post becomes vacant, the governor would appoint a replacement to fulfill the remaining term.
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