CONWAY, Feb. 24, 2017 — The Horry County Democratic Party (HCDP) will launch a voter action drive named March in March at a press conference outside the Conway elections office (1515 4th Ave.) on February 28 at 11 a.m.
Also known as the “MinM” campaign, the voter drive draws its inspiration from Martin Luther King’s historic “March on Ballot Boxes” speech in Kingstree, SC in May, 1966, according to Bennie Swans, chair of HCDP. The campaign is aimed at ensuring that voters are knowledgeable and prepared to exercise their right to register and vote.
The campaign will provide outreach to the Horry County community on what it calls the ABC’s of voting: updating addresses, getting a plastic SC voter ID (the best ID), and having a witness signature for critical mail-in-absentee ballots.
“We are starting this campaign now so that voters will know that they can and must be prepared to change things at the ballot box,” said Mr. Swans.
For information on the press conference, call HCDP at 843-488-4237.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION
“March on Ballot Boxes” Speech
Martin Luther King’s “March on Ballot Boxes” speech was held in Kingstree, SC on Mother’s Day, 1966. In advance of his arrival, word was circulated that there might be “trouble.” Despite this, 5,000 brave citizens converged on the town to hear Dr. King for themselves. They waited in the rain for his arrival.
In his clarion call, Dr. King exhorted his audience to prepare for elections, to register and to vote.
In May of 2016, the 50th anniversary of the event, Dr. King’s “March on Ballot Boxes” speech was celebrated with the dedication of a historical plaque, viewing of the archival event footage, and a reunion of those who had been present 50 years earlier. The footage can be viewed on www.marchonballotboxes.com
The Importance of SC Voter ID Card
When South Carolina passed a severely restrictive voter ID bill, US Attorney General Eric Holder, during consideration in court, dealt with ways to mitigate one of the most egregious portions of the law through use of a permanent, plastic SC Registration and Elections Photo Voter ID Card.
The voter ID card is important because, unlike a driver’s license or some other ID’s, it is without charge, does not expire, cannot be suspended, and, without an address requirement, is valid anywhere in the State where the voter is registered to vote.
Voter Contacts
Horry County Voter Registration and Elections Office: 843-915-5440
On line: scvotes.gov
