Civic Compass race research snapshot
Race: South Carolina House of Representatives — SC House District 20
Data source: Database-backed profile
Coverage: Basic
Election slug: sc-candidate-profile-enrichment
Open online: https://www.ballotvibe.com/races/sc-2026-south-carolina-house-of-representatives-sc-house-district-20?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment
Open ballot plan: https://www.ballotvibe.com/plan?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment#plan-sc-2026-south-carolina-house-of-representatives-sc-house-district-20
Flag race evidence: https://www.ballotvibe.com/trust?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment&claimReference=South+Carolina+House+of+Representatives+%E2%80%94+SC+House+District+20#corrections
Exported: 2026-11-08T11:56:41.653Z

Candidate profile links
- Polly Elbertse: https://www.ballotvibe.com/candidates/polly-elbertse-democratic?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment
- Stephen D Frank: https://www.ballotvibe.com/candidates/stephen-d-frank-republican?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment

Why this race matters
Candidate profile enrichment race created from official filing rows and candidate evidence sources.

Evidence coverage
Candidates loaded: 2
Claims loaded: 76
Shared issue areas: Cost of living, Taxes and spending
Candidates without evidence: 0
Claims needing review: 24
Stale source count: 0

Candidate comparison
1. Polly Elbertse (Democratic)
   Evidence: 10/44 source-backed; 7 high-confidence
   Issues: Civil liberties and privacy, Cost of living, Education, Taxes and spending
   Values: Civil liberties, Personal privacy, Economic opportunity, Fair taxation, Education quality
   Public gaps: age_fact, career_or_role_fact, official_voting_record_positions
   Sources: Share on WhatsApp — https://api.whatsapp.com/send/?text=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.postandcourier.com%2Fpolitics%2Fscgop-waives-requirements-for-its-governor-debate-amid-low-participation-fears%2Farticle_7c085b25-d764-4d82-8675-5085ae7b0322.html&type=custom_url&app_absent=0; SCGOP to hold governor debate with just half the candidates — https://www.postandcourier.com/politics/sc-debate-scgop-2026-newberry-candidates/article_1f659c77-ba7c-4cf5-a34a-d7a18c143188.html; Religious Liberty — https://ivoterguide.com/issue/20

2. Stephen D Frank (Republican)
   Evidence: 7/32 source-backed; 14 high-confidence
   Issues: Jobs and economy, Healthcare, Taxes and spending, Cost of living
   Values: Economic opportunity, Small business support, Healthcare access, Fiscal responsibility, Fair taxation
   Public gaps: age_fact, ballotpedia_questionnaire_positions, campaign_policy_claims
   Sources: House Journal for 6/25/2026 - South Carolina Legislature Online — https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/hj26/20260625.htm; House Intros 6/25/26 - South Carolina Legislature Online — https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sessphp/introh.htm; FAQ — https://www.mpp.org/issues/faq-mj/

Research queue
Candidate follow-up: Polly Elbertse, Stephen D Frank
Source refresh: No stale sources flagged

Source-backed claims
1. Stephen D Frank — Jobs and economy — supports
   Stephen D Frank has a source-backed statement on Jobs and economy: (2) Regulations that take effect on or after the effective date of this article must be reviewed within five years of the publication of the final regulation in the State Register and every five years after thatto ensure that they minimize economic impact on small businesses in a manner consi
   Quote: “(2) Regulations that take effect on or after the effective date of this article must be reviewed within five years of the publication of the final regulation in the State Register and every five years after thatto ensure that they minimize economic impact on small businesses in a manner consistent with the stated objectives of applicable statutes.”
   Source: House Journal for 6/25/2026 - South Carolina Legislature Online — https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/hj26/20260625.htm
   Report source issue: https://www.ballotvibe.com/trust?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment&claimReference=Stephen+D+Frank+%E2%80%94+Jobs+and+economy&sourceUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.scstatehouse.gov%2Fsess126_2025-2026%2Fhj26%2F20260625.htm#corrections
2. Stephen D Frank — Healthcare — supports
   Stephen D Frank has a source-backed statement on Healthcare: (2)(a) The healthcare facility must notify the patient in clear and conspicuous language, electronically or in writing, of the availability of obtaining an itemized copy electronically or in writing pursuant to subsection (B)(1) and must offer the patient the ability to indicate the preferred form
   Quote: “(2)(a) The healthcare facility must notify the patient in clear and conspicuous language, electronically or in writing, of the availability of obtaining an itemized copy electronically or in writing pursuant to subsection (B)(1) and must offer the patient the ability to indicate the preferred form of the itemized bill.”
   Source: House Journal for 6/25/2026 - South Carolina Legislature Online — https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/hj26/20260625.htm
   Report source issue: https://www.ballotvibe.com/trust?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment&claimReference=Stephen+D+Frank+%E2%80%94+Healthcare&sourceUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.scstatehouse.gov%2Fsess126_2025-2026%2Fhj26%2F20260625.htm#corrections
3. Stephen D Frank — Taxes and spending — promised
   Stephen D Frank has a source-backed statement on Taxes and spending: Whereas, during Marcia's well-earned retirement, the House hopes she will find herself more frequently able to indulge in membership activities with the Columbia Garden Club, several bridge clubs, and Trinity Cathedral, as well as in spending more time with her delightful family; and
   Quote: “Whereas, during Marcia's well-earned retirement, the House hopes she will find herself more frequently able to indulge in membership activities with the Columbia Garden Club, several bridge clubs, and Trinity Cathedral, as well as in spending more time with her delightful family; and”
   Source: House Journal for 6/25/2026 - South Carolina Legislature Online — https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/hj26/20260625.htm
   Report source issue: https://www.ballotvibe.com/trust?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment&claimReference=Stephen+D+Frank+%E2%80%94+Taxes+and+spending&sourceUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.scstatehouse.gov%2Fsess126_2025-2026%2Fhj26%2F20260625.htm#corrections
4. Stephen D Frank — Cost of living — promised
   Stephen D Frank has a source-backed statement on Cost of living: Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives learned with sincere regret that Luke Rankin will depart from the House of Representatives at the conclusion of his current term; and
   Quote: “Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives learned with sincere regret that Luke Rankin will depart from the House of Representatives at the conclusion of his current term; and”
   Source: House Journal for 6/25/2026 - South Carolina Legislature Online — https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/hj26/20260625.htm
   Report source issue: https://www.ballotvibe.com/trust?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment&claimReference=Stephen+D+Frank+%E2%80%94+Cost+of+living&sourceUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.scstatehouse.gov%2Fsess126_2025-2026%2Fhj26%2F20260625.htm#corrections
5. Stephen D Frank — Infrastructure — promised
   Stephen D Frank has a source-backed statement on Infrastructure: Whereas, in his retirement, he and Brandie plan to spend many happy hours on road trips together.
   Quote: “Whereas, in his retirement, he and Brandie plan to spend many happy hours on road trips together.”
   Source: House Journal for 6/25/2026 - South Carolina Legislature Online — https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/hj26/20260625.htm
   Report source issue: https://www.ballotvibe.com/trust?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment&claimReference=Stephen+D+Frank+%E2%80%94+Infrastructure&sourceUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.scstatehouse.gov%2Fsess126_2025-2026%2Fhj26%2F20260625.htm#corrections
6. Stephen D Frank — Immigration — supports
   Stephen D Frank has a source-backed statement on Immigration: Morgan: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 8-29-10, RELATING TO THE REQUIRED VERIFICATION OF WHETHER CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS ARE LAWFULLY PRESENT IN THE UNITED STATES WHEN APPLYING FOR PUBLIC BENEFITS, SO AS TO REQUIRE STATE AGENCIES AND POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS TO REFER
   Quote: “Morgan: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 8-29-10, RELATING TO THE REQUIRED VERIFICATION OF WHETHER CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS ARE LAWFULLY PRESENT IN THE UNITED STATES WHEN APPLYING FOR PUBLIC BENEFITS, SO AS TO REQUIRE STATE AGENCIES AND POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS TO REFER AN APPLICANT'S INFORMATION TO UNITED STATES IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES.”
   Source: House Intros 6/25/26 - South Carolina Legislature Online — https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sessphp/introh.htm
   Report source issue: https://www.ballotvibe.com/trust?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment&claimReference=Stephen+D+Frank+%E2%80%94+Immigration&sourceUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.scstatehouse.gov%2Fsessphp%2Fintroh.htm#corrections
7. Stephen D Frank — Taxes and spending — opposes
   Stephen D Frank's mpp.org source gives a direct Tier 1 answer on Taxes and spending: What major organizations support medical marijuana? All either support legal access to medical marijuana or have directly acknowledged that marijuana can have legitimate medical uses. (The American Medical Association, formerly opposed to medical marijuana, officially change
   Quote: “What major organizations support medical marijuana? All either support legal access to medical marijuana or have directly acknowledged that marijuana can have legitimate medical uses. (The American Medical Association, formerly opposed to medical marijuana, officially changed its position to neutral in 1997; the AMA endorses a physician's right to discuss marijuana therapy with patients.) For more information, please see: Effective Arguments for Medical Marijuana Advocates Search Online Store Support ending marijuana prohibition. "Freedom: Grown in the USA" T-shirt Recent news This July 4th, the fight for cannabis freedom continues ... Jul 03, 2026 Virginia: Adult-use cannabis sales language included in signed budget ... Jun 30, 2026 DEA rescheduling hearing begins — welcome to the upside-down ... Jun 29, 2026 Kentucky legislators attack governor leadership on medical cannabis ... Jun 22, 2026 Virginia: Ask the General Assembly to reject the increase in public consumption fines ...”
   Source: FAQ — https://www.mpp.org/issues/faq-mj/
   Report source issue: https://www.ballotvibe.com/trust?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment&claimReference=Stephen+D+Frank+%E2%80%94+Taxes+and+spending&sourceUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mpp.org%2Fissues%2Ffaq-mj%2F#corrections
8. Stephen D Frank — Infrastructure — promised
   Stephen D Frank's mpp.org source gives a direct Tier 1 answer on Infrastructure: If patients were allowed to use medical marijuana, wouldn't non-medical use increase too? "There is a broad social concern that sanctioning the medical use of marijuana might increase its use among the general population. At this point there are no convincing data to support thi
   Quote: “If patients were allowed to use medical marijuana, wouldn't non-medical use increase too? "There is a broad social concern that sanctioning the medical use of marijuana might increase its use among the general population. At this point there are no convincing data to support this concern. The existing data are consistent with the idea that this would not be a problem if the medical use of marijuana were as closely regulated as other medications with abuse potential. ... [T]his question is beyond the issues normally considered for medical uses of drugs and should not be a factor in evaluating the therapeutic potential of marijuana or cannabinoids. "No evidence suggests that the use of opiates or cocaine for medical purposes has increased the perception that their illicit use is safe or acceptable."”
   Source: FAQ — https://www.mpp.org/issues/faq-mj/
   Report source issue: https://www.ballotvibe.com/trust?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment&claimReference=Stephen+D+Frank+%E2%80%94+Infrastructure&sourceUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mpp.org%2Fissues%2Ffaq-mj%2F#corrections
9. Stephen D Frank — Taxes and spending — opposes
   Stephen D Frank's mpp.org source gives a direct Tier 1 answer on Taxes and spending: In the Age of Decriminalization, is the Odor of Marijuana Alone Enough to Justify a Warrantless Search? Support ending marijuana prohibition. "Freedom: Grown in the USA" T-shirt Recent news This July 4th, the fight for cannabis freedom continues ... Jul 03, 2026 Virginia: Ad
   Quote: “In the Age of Decriminalization, is the Odor of Marijuana Alone Enough to Justify a Warrantless Search? Support ending marijuana prohibition. "Freedom: Grown in the USA" T-shirt Recent news This July 4th, the fight for cannabis freedom continues ... Jul 03, 2026 Virginia: Adult-use cannabis sales language included in signed budget ... Jun 30, 2026 DEA rescheduling hearing begins — welcome to the upside-down ... Jun 29, 2026 Kentucky legislators attack governor leadership on medical cannabis ... Jun 22, 2026 Virginia: Ask the General Assembly to reject the increase in public consumption fines ... Jun 22, 2026 Tags Medical Marijuana (513) legalization (387) Tax and Regulate (351) medical cannabis (321) decriminalization (259) patients (203) California (197) New Hampshire (170) Colorado (157) cannabis legalization (155) cannabis regulation (130) marijuana (129) Vermont (110) dispensaries (105) Congress (100) Maryland (100) possession (100) DEA (91) home cultivation (91) Prohibition (90) General”
   Source: Criminal Justice — https://www.mpp.org/issues/criminal-justice/
   Report source issue: https://www.ballotvibe.com/trust?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment&claimReference=Stephen+D+Frank+%E2%80%94+Taxes+and+spending&sourceUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mpp.org%2Fissues%2Fcriminal-justice%2F#corrections
10. Stephen D Frank — Healthcare — supports
   Stephen D Frank's mpp.org source gives a direct Tier 1 answer on Healthcare: Added the following comment to MPP's 2024 survey, "I'll continue to support this very important healthcare option.
   Quote: “Added the following comment to MPP's 2024 survey, "I'll continue to support this very important healthcare option.”
   Source: South Carolina Medical Cannabis Voter Guide 2024 House — https://www.mpp.org/states/south-carolina/2024-south-carolina-medical-cannabis-voter-guide/south-carolina-medical-cannabis-voter-guide-2024-house/
   Report source issue: https://www.ballotvibe.com/trust?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment&claimReference=Stephen+D+Frank+%E2%80%94+Healthcare&sourceUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mpp.org%2Fstates%2Fsouth-carolina%2F2024-south-carolina-medical-cannabis-voter-guide%2Fsouth-carolina-medical-cannabis-voter-guide-2024-house%2F#corrections
11. Stephen D Frank — Cost of living — promised
   Stephen D Frank's charlestoncitypaper.com source gives a direct Tier 1 answer on Cost of living: The answer: Disclosure, debate and democracy? First, he says spending money for local projects is just unavoidable in a rural state like South Carolina, where most counties and towns are too small to fully support their own infrastructure. “With the way our state
   Quote: “The answer: Disclosure, debate and democracy? First, he says spending money for local projects is just unavoidable in a rural state like South Carolina, where most counties and towns are too small to fully support their own infrastructure. “With the way our state government is structured, it’s absolutely vital that the state invest in local communities,” Sheheen said. “If you don’t have that, our communities, particularly small communities, will wither and die away.” So the issue, he says, is how you’re going to make those dollars available at the state level. Unlike some, he believes that the current system, strengthened by further accountability and transparency, is probably the best option available. “I’m a big believer in democracy and having fights on the floor with open debates and vetoes,” Sheheen said. “That’s the way our government was set up, and I don’t know why some people want to sidetrack it by shoving money into agencies or programs.””
   Source: Statehouse Report 24.20: Earmarks, abortion, film - Statehouse — https://charlestoncitypaper.com/2025/05/16/statehouse-report-24-20-earmarks-abortion-film/
   Report source issue: https://www.ballotvibe.com/trust?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment&claimReference=Stephen+D+Frank+%E2%80%94+Cost+of+living&sourceUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fcharlestoncitypaper.com%2F2025%2F05%2F16%2Fstatehouse-report-24-20-earmarks-abortion-film%2F#corrections
12. Stephen D Frank — Taxes and spending — promised
   Stephen D Frank's charlestoncitypaper.com source gives a direct Tier 1 answer on Taxes and spending: What’s cost of going ‘cold turkey’ on earmarks? By Jack O’Toole, Capital Bureau | For perhaps the first time in South Carolina history, members of the General Assembly will soon reconvene to pass a $14.4 billion state budget that’s more likely to be remembere
   Quote: “What’s cost of going ‘cold turkey’ on earmarks? By Jack O’Toole, Capital Bureau | For perhaps the first time in South Carolina history, members of the General Assembly will soon reconvene to pass a $14.4 billion state budget that’s more likely to be remembered for what’s not in it than what is. Credit: Unsplash In a word, earmarks. Or as most lawmakers refer to them, local investments. Long controversial, this legislator-directed spending on special in-district projects — think everything from critical sewer system upgrades to local arts festivals — has skyrocketed in recent years, rising from a reported $30 million in 2019 to more than $700 million in 2023 and $400 million in 2024. The timing of that explosion was no accident, budget experts say. Flush with federal Covid aid but facing conservative revenue projections due to pandemic job losses, lawmakers opted to spend its annual surpluses on one-time local projects rather than committing the money to long-term, year-over-year investments.”
   Source: Statehouse Report 24.20: Earmarks, abortion, film - Statehouse — https://charlestoncitypaper.com/2025/05/16/statehouse-report-24-20-earmarks-abortion-film/
   Report source issue: https://www.ballotvibe.com/trust?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment&claimReference=Stephen+D+Frank+%E2%80%94+Taxes+and+spending&sourceUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fcharlestoncitypaper.com%2F2025%2F05%2F16%2Fstatehouse-report-24-20-earmarks-abortion-film%2F#corrections
13. Stephen D Frank — Civil liberties and privacy — promised
   Stephen D Frank has a source-backed statement on Civil liberties and privacy: Additionally, if the prohibition and enforcement of hemp-cannabinoid product distribution and sales to individuals under the age of twenty-one is for any reason held to be unconstitutional or invalid, the General Assembly hereby declares that it would have passed this act with a pr
   Quote: “Additionally, if the prohibition and enforcement of hemp-cannabinoid product distribution and sales to individuals under the age of twenty-one is for any reason held to be unconstitutional or invalid, the General Assembly hereby declares that it would have passed this act with a prohibition and enforcement of hemp-cannabinoid product distribution and sales to individuals under the age of eighteen.”
   Source: House Journal for 6/25/2026 - South Carolina Legislature Online — https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/hj26/20260625.htm
   Report source issue: https://www.ballotvibe.com/trust?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment&claimReference=Stephen+D+Frank+%E2%80%94+Civil+liberties+and+privacy&sourceUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.scstatehouse.gov%2Fsess126_2025-2026%2Fhj26%2F20260625.htm#corrections
14. Stephen D Frank — Education — supports
   Stephen D Frank has a source-backed statement on Education: (D)(1) Whenever any person who has not previously been convicted of any offense under this section, pleads guilty to or is found guilty of a sale in violation of this section, the court, without entering a judgment of guilt and with the consent of the accused, may defer further proceedings and place
   Quote: “(D)(1) Whenever any person who has not previously been convicted of any offense under this section, pleads guilty to or is found guilty of a sale in violation of this section, the court, without entering a judgment of guilt and with the consent of the accused, may defer further proceedings and place him on probation upon terms and conditions as it requires provided that one such condition must be that he complete the merchant education program described in subsection (C).”
   Source: House Journal for 6/25/2026 - South Carolina Legislature Online — https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/hj26/20260625.htm
   Report source issue: https://www.ballotvibe.com/trust?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment&claimReference=Stephen+D+Frank+%E2%80%94+Education&sourceUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.scstatehouse.gov%2Fsess126_2025-2026%2Fhj26%2F20260625.htm#corrections
15. Stephen D Frank — Public safety — supports
   Stephen D Frank has a source-backed statement on Public safety: (8) ensure that the Department of Revenue and State Law Enforcement Division are able to monitor licensed operations through on-site inspections to confirm compliance with state law and that any intoxicating beverages shipped into, distributed, and sold throughout this State:
   Quote: “(8) ensure that the Department of Revenue and State Law Enforcement Division are able to monitor licensed operations through on-site inspections to confirm compliance with state law and that any intoxicating beverages shipped into, distributed, and sold throughout this State:”
   Source: House Journal for 6/25/2026 - South Carolina Legislature Online — https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/hj26/20260625.htm
   Report source issue: https://www.ballotvibe.com/trust?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment&claimReference=Stephen+D+Frank+%E2%80%94+Public+safety&sourceUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.scstatehouse.gov%2Fsess126_2025-2026%2Fhj26%2F20260625.htm#corrections
16. Stephen D Frank — Election integrity — supports
   Stephen D Frank has a source-backed statement on Election integrity: (C) By January 1 each year, beginning January 1, 2028, the Legislative Audit Council shall deliver a report to the standing committees of the Senate and House of Representatives that have jurisdiction over each agency's statutory authority that must include:
   Quote: “(C) By January 1 each year, beginning January 1, 2028, the Legislative Audit Council shall deliver a report to the standing committees of the Senate and House of Representatives that have jurisdiction over each agency's statutory authority that must include:”
   Source: House Journal for 6/25/2026 - South Carolina Legislature Online — https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/hj26/20260625.htm
   Report source issue: https://www.ballotvibe.com/trust?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment&claimReference=Stephen+D+Frank+%E2%80%94+Election+integrity&sourceUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.scstatehouse.gov%2Fsess126_2025-2026%2Fhj26%2F20260625.htm#corrections
Use this as a portable race comparison snapshot; verify live sources before making final voting decisions.