South Carolina § 59-3-20 - Vacancy in office.
Full text of South Carolina South Carolina Code of Laws § 59-3-20 — Vacancy in office., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 59-3-20. Vacancy in office.
Section repealed upon the approval and ratification of an amendment to Section 7, Article VI of the South Carolina Constitution. The referendum to amend Section 7, Article VI failed on November 6, 2018. See Editor's Note.
In case a vacancy occurs in the office of State Superintendent of Education, from any cause, such vacancy shall be filled by the Governor, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, and the person so appointed shall qualify within fifteen days from the date of such appointment or else the office shall be deemed vacant. If the vacancy occur during the recess of the Senate, the Governor shall fill the same by appointment until the Senate can act thereon.
HISTORY: 1962 Code SECTION 21-22; 1952 Code SECTION 21-22; 1942 Code SECTION 5277; 1932 Code SECTION 5281; Civ. C. '22 SECTION 2541; Civ. C. '12 SECTION 1704; Civ. C. '02 SECTION 1180; 1896 (22) 150.
Editor's Note
2018 Act No. 178, SECTIONS 4 and 6, provide as follows:
"SECTION 4. The person elected State Superintendent of Education in the 2018 General Election shall serve out his term; however, if the person vacates that office before the term expires in January 2023, any successors must: (1) be appointed as provided in Section 1-30-10(B)(1)(iv); and (2) must satisfy the experience requirements of Section 59-3-10(B)."
"SECTION 6. The provisions of Section 59-3-10(B), as contained in SECTION 1, take effect upon approval by the Governor. The remaining provisions of this act take effect upon approval and ratification of an amendment to Section 7, Article VI of the South Carolina Constitution, 1895, providing for the appointment of the State Superintendent of Education by the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate, and are applicable beginning with the 2018 General Election."
The referendum to amend Article VI, Section 7 failed on November 6, 2018.
Source: official South Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina § 59-3-20
What does South Carolina Code of Laws § 59-3-20 cover?
Section 59-3-20 ("Vacancy in office.") is part of the South Carolina Code of Laws, the codified statutory law of South Carolina. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite South Carolina § 59-3-20?
A common citation format is "South Carolina Code of Laws § 59-3-20" (South Carolina). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of South Carolina law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the South Carolina official source linked on this page or consult a licensed South Carolina attorney.
How does South Carolina § 59-3-20 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in South Carolina can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in South Carolina.