Columbia, South Carolina, October 19, 2025

News Summary

The South Carolina Election Commission is facing significant leadership changes after an investigation revealed unexpected costs linked to a $28 million ballot scanner contract. Executive Director Howard Knapp and Deputy Director Paige Salonich were fired due to alleged misconduct, raising serious concerns about election integrity and accountability. The investigation also includes claims of mismanagement of public funds. With ongoing financial difficulties and legal challenges, the commission now must navigate rebuilding trust amidst scrutiny.

Columbia, South Carolina: Election Commission Faces Leadership Shake-Up Amid Investigation

The South Carolina Election Commission is currently under scrutiny as an investigation into a hefty $28 million contract for new ballot scanners has revealed unforeseen costs totaling an additional $4 million. This situation has led to significant leadership changes within the agency, raising concerns about election integrity and accountability.

Executive Director Howard Knapp and Deputy Director Paige Salonich have been fired as part of this investigation, which includes allegations of misrepresenting the contract and misuse of public funds. Knapp is specifically accused of falsifying documents and engaging in misconduct, while Salonich was removed for disruptive behavior, including the use of profanity and unauthorized recording during a confidential meeting. Additionally, spokesman John Michael Catalano has resigned amid these troubling developments.

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is delving into Knapp and Salonich’s alleged activities, including accusations of wiretapping. These allegations add a layer of seriousness to the ongoing investigation into the Election Commission’s practices and overall handling of public funds.

According to Commission Chairman Dennis Shedd, the work environment under Knapp’s leadership has become “toxic” and potentially hostile, prompting the need for immediate change. This transformation comes at a difficult time, as multiple state agencies are also investigating various issues related to the contract, as well as other matters facing the Election Commission.

Despite the turmoil, the recent firings and resignations are not directly connected to ongoing negotiations with the U.S. Department of Justice concerning voter information requests. However, the agency faces an ongoing legal challenge related to the contract and numerous issues surrounding voter rolls, which complicates their operational efficiency even further.

In the financial landscape, the Election Commission must address a $10 million payment owed for the ballot scanners while awaiting $11 million in state budget funding. This funding, however, will not be accessible until February, creating a pressing fiscal dilemma as they navigate these expensive and unforeseen costs.

The unforeseen increase in the contract price has sparked questions regarding the accountability of the Election Commission and its financial management practices. This episode raises significant concerns about maintaining the integrity of elections, particularly amid the ongoing leadership changes and investigations.

Context and Future Steps

The South Carolina Election Commission is now tasked with rebuilding its leadership team and reinstating confidence in its processes amid scrutiny. The outcome of ongoing investigations and legal challenges will play a crucial role in determining how the agency addresses the increasing pressures on its operation and public trust in the electoral process.

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Additional Resources

• SC Daily Gazette
• Spectrum Local News
• WRDW
• AP News
• The State
• Wikipedia: Elections in the United States
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Election
• Google Search: South Carolina Election Commission
• Google Scholar: South Carolina Election Commission
• Google News: South Carolina Election Commission

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