Early Voting Begins in Horry County Ahead of November Election

Early Voting Kicks Off in Horry County as Election Day Approaches

Conway, South Carolina – The anticipation is palpable in Horry County as early voting gets underway! On Friday, October 25, eager voters lined up outside the Horry County voter registration election complex in Conway, ready to cast their ballots before Election Day on November 5. With early voting running through November 2, folks are making their voices heard before the big day!

What’s on the Ballot?

This year’s ballot is packed with critical choices, letting Horry County residents decide who will represent them in Congress, the state house, and county school board and council. Plus, there’s a big question about whether to continue a penny sales tax for the next 25 years to fund transportation infrastructure improvements. Yes, there’s definitely a lot to discuss!

Say Hello to RIDE IV!

Let’s dive a bit deeper into that penny sales tax question, which is part of the Road Improvement and Development Effort, affectionately known as RIDE. This ongoing program has funded road improvements for over 20 years and is about to evolve into its fourth version, RIDE IV. This new plan includes a list of ambitious projects totaling a whopping $5.5 billion. That’s a hefty price tag!

Local leaders are advocating for this measure, highlighting that it’s not just the residents footing the bill. Tourists visiting our beautiful beaches would contribute significantly to the costs through their spending. “Visitors currently pay for 66% of the total revenue generated for transportation enhancements,” says Jimmy Gray, a spokesperson for the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce.

What Are the Proposed Projects?

Some exciting projects included in RIDE IV are a Conway river crossing costing about $860 million, widening S.C. Highway 90 to four lanes for $745 million, and even paving 200 miles of dirt roads for $250 million! You have to admit; that could make a difference in our daily drives!

However, there’s some chatter about the length of the tax—25 years! “Who knows what’s going to happen?” concerned voters have raised questions about this proposed timeline. Opponents worry it could lead to urban sprawl and threats to the environment.

Local Races Heating Up

Aside from the big transportation vote, this election is heating up with local races too! In the Horry County’s 7th Congressional District, we have incumbent Republican Rep. Russell Fry facing off against Democrat Mal Hyman. Fry, looking for a second term, emphasizes border security and Second Amendment rights, while Hyman calls for a more measured approach to policies, seeking common sense solutions.

Luke Rankin is looking to secure his seat for Senate District 33 against challenger John Bember, while various county council and school board seats are up for grabs in this election frenzy.

Make Your Voice Count!

If you want your say, early voting is available at seven locations across the county from 8:30 AM to 6 PM. Some great spots include the Carolina Forest Library and the Grand Strand Senior Center. Remember, you’ll need a photo ID to vote—so make sure to bring it along!

People like Juanita Scott, who was seen bringing her family along to vote early, say it’s all about beating the rush come November 5th! “The 5th is gonna be more crowded,” she shared enthusiastically.

Get Informed!

With early voting underway and the general election just around the corner, now is the time to get informed, grab your friends, and make your vote count! Whether you’re all about transportation improvements, local representation, or just wanting to make a difference, every vote matters!

So, whether you drop by a polling place or grab your ballot early, take a moment to think about what’s best for our beloved Horry County! Let’s make our voices heard!