Recently, the General Assembly placed on the ballot in November the question of the state superintendent of education ceasing to be elected by the people but becoming an appointed cabinet position under the governor. Some historical background on that office and its relationship to Kershaw County over time might be of value to county voters in deciding how to vote on this question. In 1868, through the efforts of federal authorities and some individuals called scalawags and carpetbaggers then controlling the state, a constitutional convention was convened in Charleston.