The Clinton chronicle. (Clinton, S.C.) 1901-current, October 29, 1970, Image 23

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■i THE CHRONICLE, Clinton, S. C., Oct. 29, 1970—1-D Amendments Explained The Laurens County Unit of the Leaffue of Women Voters of Sooth Carolina offers the following expla nation of the amendments to the state constitotion to be voted on No vember 3 as an aid to voters in the Clinton area. Iproposed statewide constitutional amendments FOR YOU TO VOTE ON November 3, 1970 - General Election In order to revise our Constitution of 1895 by the ARTICLE-BY ARTICLE method, 5 NEW ARTICLES have been proposed: Article 1 DECLARATION OF RIGHTS The new article has kept all the basic rights that always have been guaranteed to South Carolina citizens; such rights as freedom of speech and worship, to gather together peacefully in groups, etc. Two new sections: Protection against unreasonable invasion of privacy. (illegal or improper use of ’’bugging" devices or data banks) Protection against arbitrary administrative procedures. (If a governmental agency makes a decision against a citizen, he has a right to tell his side of the story to that agency. If he loses again, he can take the matter to court.) Article 2 RIGHT OF SUFFRAGE All provisions about voting and elections have been placed in this new article. The word "male" has been taken out as a requirement for voting. Residency requirements for registering and voting have been shortened to: 6 months in the state 3 months in the county 30 days in the precinct Newcomers to the state, 30 days, if otherwise qualified to vote for Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections. ~The Legislature will now have the power to decide crimes dis qualifying a citizen from voting. Not only the Governor, but now also the Legislature, may par don a citizen and give back his voting rights. Article IX CORPORATIONS Much already covered by legislative acts was removed. The Legislature will have the power to regulate, by law, corporations, common carriers (buses, etc.) and public, private utilities. Article XII FUNCTIONS OF GOVERNMENT Outdated material and that already covered by acts of the legislature was removed. The General Assembly is directed to set up agencies to deal with health, safety, welfare, and natural re sources of the state. NEW - No child under 17 years of age can be placed in prison with older inmates. Article XV tWPBACHMJNT This article now makes clearer those officials subject to impeachment (limited to removal from office); all officials elected statewide, state judges, and other state officers as may be directed by the legislature. The following 7 amendments are additions or changes to present sections in the Constitution, but are single (i.e. sections with in an Article) amendments and not entire Articles: Article 2 * Sec. 3,4 WATCH SALE SAVE 25% TO 70% LAY AWAY NOW FOR CHRISTMAS IIAMOND KISSED] lOLID GOLD \ V for her wedding or anniversary! Whatever The^ Occasion NO FINER GIFT — A DEPENDABLE TIMEPIECE: ^ GIFT FOR A LIFETIME V// ■HV r/ j rV: The “Golden Gift” For her shining hour... Watch Pendant FOR MOM, SIS OR BEST GAL automatic self winding j ladies calendar watch lV 45 The word "male" as a requirement for voting is removed from the present article. Article XU- Sec. 9 This section allows the Legislature to pass a law to permit the Department of Corrections to transfer inmates to institutions in other states for confinement, treatment or rehabilitation when it is in the best interest of the inmate. Under the Constitution of 1895, this cannot be done. Article X-Sec. 4 Homestead is generally considered the dwelling and surrounding lands of a head of a household. At present our Constitution does not provide for homestead tax exemption. Under this amendment, the Legislature could make such laws. Article VII • Sec. 15 GIVE THE FUTURE C j j 5 .y? I T This is a new section thai would allow two or more governmental units (cities, counties) to join together to form an organization to work on plans regarding problems of mutual interest such as public health, safety, education, pollution control, recreation. The General Assembly could authorise the participating governments to make financial contributions to support the projects of these re gional councils, but the amendments speciffcally states that these or ganizations or councils shall not have the power to levy taxes. Article XI- II This amendment would remove limits or restrictions on different types of unclaimed property that usually go to the state after a cer tain length of time. • «*****« The last two amendments affect.only Richland and Charleston Counties but must be voted on by all S.C. voters. These are known as "urban renewal" amendments. JXftiClQ 1 . #7 RICHLAND COUNTY, CHARLESTON COUNTY SLUM property may be acquired by the city or the county for re use and re-sale to private person(s) for private or public purposes. The amendment requires that before the property can be taken over there must be submission of a plan of redevelopment and a public hearing. Published as a public service by the LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF S.C. 1517 Hampton St.,#109,Columbia,S.C. 29201 ‘ ‘walcl \ !* /' a' / man’s gill! autodate ALL NATIONALLY ADVERTISED Ham's Dtsm Watches Ladies’ Watches Waterproof, Work Watches Peadaat Watches Shock Proof Watches Sweep Second-Head Watches Dial Watches N arses' Watches J. 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