Myrtle Beach Sees Record Turnout as Early Voting Kicks Off Amid Curbside Voting Challenges

Myrtle Beach Gears Up for Early Voting Excitement

Hey, Myrtle Beach! You might have already noticed the buzz in the air because early voting is officially underway here in good old South Carolina, and let me tell you—it’s a record-breaking turnout! As of Thursday afternoon, over 37,000 folks in Horry County have already cast their ballots, making this one of the busiest election seasons we’ve seen.

What’s Up with Curbside Voting?

Now, while everything seems to be moving along, not everyone is thrilled about the curbside voting process. According to Sandy Martin, our friendly Horry County Elections Director, curbside voting has been a little bit rocky this year. This option is designed for those who are unable to stand in line due to age or disability, but there’s been some misunderstanding about how it actually works.

Many voters seem to think they can just cruise up to the precinct, honk their horn, and voilà—vote in five minutes. Nope! That’s not how it goes down. Sandy explained, “You still have to wait your turn like everyone else.” After notifying a poll worker, you’ll either hold your spot in line or your helper can do it for you. Once it’s your turn, a poll worker will bring a portable voting machine right to you, and help you get that ballot scanned. Sounds easy, right? But you might have a bit of a wait, so bring your patience!

Preparing for Wait Times

This isn’t just a typical run-of-the-mill election, either. With early voting now available for presidential elections, it’s not a walk-in, walk-out situation. You might find yourself waiting a while, and that’s just the nature of things with so many people eager to vote. Sandy stresses the importance of patience, as emotions can run high during an election season. “Folks have stood in line for two hours before,” she notes, “so when people see others moving ahead, it’s tough.”

Pete Smith, a good Samaritan assisting curbside voters at the Grand Strand Rec Center, shared his experience. “We’ve been out here for nearly three hours. It’s hot, and we’ve got an elderly gentleman who needed to use the facilities but can’t walk too well. We’ve been making do.”

Limited Voting Locations

And let’s talk about the elephant in the room—there are only seven early voting locations in Horry County, compared to a whopping 124 precincts available on Election Day. That means longer lines and a bit more patience required. Sandy mentioned, “We’re doing our absolute best. At some sites, we’ve already helped out hundreds curbside.”

Eligibility for Curbside Voting

It’s also crucial to understand that being 65 doesn’t automatically mean you can vote curbside. You should really only use the curbside option if you can’t stand in line due to a disability or medical condition. As Sandy pointed out, “If someone who’s able to walk waits curbside just because they’re 65, they’re taking the opportunity away from someone in real need.”

Looking Ahead: Absentee Voting

Sandy encourages everyone to think ahead for future elections, especially if they anticipate issues at the polls. “We have absentee voting available if you know you won’t be able to stand in line. Why not vote from the comfort of your couch?” You can start requesting those absentee ballots as early as January.

So, as we dive deeper into this election season, let’s remember to be kind, patient, and supportive of each other. Our democracy thrives when we all take part, whether it’s voting early, casting a curbside ballot, or planning ahead for absentee voting. Let’s make our voices heard, Myrtle Beach!