Myrtle Beach Residents Face Delays and Stress with Absentee Ballot Process Ahead of Election Day

Myrtle Beach Faces Challenges with Absentee Ballots

With election season heating up, folks in Myrtle Beach are feeling a bit of anxiety over the absentee ballot process. As of now, around 11,000 residents have made requests through the Horry County Voter Registration & Elections Office, but it seems that waiting for those ballots to arrive is proving to be quite the ordeal.

Mail Delays Have Voters Anxious

Take Dave Steed for example. He and his wife both requested absentee ballots nearly two weeks ago due to recent surgeries. Waiting in long lines to vote just isn’t an option for them, yet as of Wednesday, they still hadn’t received anything in the mail. Dave expressed his worries, saying, “Now even if we get it, there’s probably not enough time for [the application] to get back to them, and then they approve it, and then return it to me.” Not an easy situation to be in, especially with Election Day fast approaching!

Many are sharing similar frustrations. It seems like the mail isn’t moving as quickly as it should, and when people are trying to participate in democracy, every day counts. No one wants to miss their chance to cast their vote, especially when health issues make it tough to get to the polls in person.

What’s Causing the Delay?

The Horry County Voter Registration & Elections Office is doing their best to keep things moving along. According to their director, Sandy Martin, the office sends out an application for absentee ballots the very next day after requests are made. However, after that, the process falls into the hands of the USPS. “We get them out as fast as we can,” Martin explained. “What happens after that, we can’t control it.” It’s a bit frustrating when you’re just trying to exercise your right to vote!

How to Handle the Situation

If you’re one of those anxious voters waiting for your absentee ballot, there may be some solutions. Martin noted that anyone having issues with their ballots can either swing by the elections office in person or give them a call to request that their absentee ballot application be sent again. It’s comforting to know there are options available, especially as we inch closer to the election.

Just a reminder for all of us—if you plan on voting absentee, you need to request your ballot by 5 p.m. on October 25. And to make sure your voice is counted, all absentee ballots must be in by 7 p.m. on November 5. Mark those dates on your calendar!

The Importance of Voting

At the end of the day, we should all remember that voting shouldn’t be a hassle, regardless of the circumstances. As Dave Steed aptly put it, “Voting shouldn’t be this difficult, for anyone.” It’s essential that everyone has the opportunity to have their say, without feeling overwhelmed by the process.

As we gear up for Election Day, let’s keep our fingers crossed that the mail picks up the pace! Stay on top of your requests and don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you need it. Here’s to making sure every voice in Myrtle Beach is heard loud and clear!