SC House votes no more automatic ‘yea’

Votes taken in the South Carolina House will now be recorded the way legislators actually vote.
   
The House decided unanimously on Wednesday to take roll call votes on nearly all legislation. Resolutions that congratulate or honor residents can still be passed on a voice vote.
   
The change came one month after a push for greater accountability backfired. In December, the House passed a rule that all votes would automatically be recorded as “yes,“ even for legislators not in the chamber at the time.
   
To vote “nay,“ legislators were supposed to tell the clerk.
   
The two lawmakers fighting for more on-the-record voting called it a win for South Carolina residents. GOP Reps. Nathan Ballentine and Nikki Haley say the change will force legislators to be more informed about legislation.