The foundation of a strong and effective Democratic Party begins at the local level, where neighbors, volunteers, and grassroots leaders come together to shape the future of our communities. In Horry County, this work is guided by the Executive Committee (EC) Members and the State Executive Committee (State EC) Members, who serve as both the backbone and the bridge of our party.
These individuals are more than just elected representatives—they are advocates, organizers, and communicators who ensure that the concerns and priorities of local Democrats are not only addressed within the county but also carried forward to the state level. Their leadership provides the structure and accountability that keeps our party connected, responsive, and effective.
By empowering precincts, coordinating county-wide initiatives, and representing Horry County Democrats to the South Carolina Democratic Party, EC and State EC Members make sure that grassroots voices shape the policies and direction of the party as a whole.
Horry County Executive Committee (EC) Members
The Horry County Executive Committee (EC) serves as the governing body of the county party. It is composed of Precinct Executive Committee Members—one representative from each precinct—along with an alternate. These precinct representatives bring grassroots input directly into county-wide decision-making.
In addition, County Officers such as the Chair, three Vice Chairs, Secretary, Treasurer, State EC Members/Alternates, serve ex officio on the County EC.
Why They Matter
- Grassroots Representation: EC members serve as the critical link between local precincts and county leadership, ensuring every community’s voice is represented.
- Decision-Making Authority: The EC meets quarterly to vote on HCDP initiatives, including budgetary approvals, outreach programs, and policy positions.
- Accountability: By law, EC members must attend meetings and actively participate. If unrepresented for three consecutive meetings, their seat is deemed vacated. This ensures that precincts remain actively engaged.
- Community Connection: EC members are responsible for keeping their precincts informed, engaged, and ready to organize around Democratic priorities.
State Executive Committee (State EC) Members
While County EC Members lead at the local level, State Executive Committee (State EC) Members represent Horry County within the South Carolina Democratic Party. Elected at the County Convention, the State EC team consists of two members (one man and one woman) and two alternates (one man and one woman).
These individuals are officers of the county party and are also part of the County Executive Committee, ensuring coordination between local and state leadership.
Their Responsibilities
- Representation at the State Level: State EC Members attend SCDP meetings, serve as liaisons, and carry the policy goals and resolutions of Horry County Democrats to the state body.
- Voting: Only one vote is allotted per county. When both a member and alternate are present, the member votes; the alternate votes only in their absence.
- Reporting Back: State EC Members must provide written and verbal reports to the HCDP Chair and the County EC, keeping local Democrats updated on statewide strategies and actions.
- Continuity of Leadership: If a member cannot serve, their same-gender alternate assumes the role, ensuring Horry County is never without representation.
- Strengthening Party Work: Like local officers, State EC Members assist with voter registration, candidate support, education, and grassroots organizing.
Horry County Executive Committee (EC) Members
About the EC
- The Horry County Executive Committee (EC) is the governing body made up of Precinct Executive Committee Members (one per precinct). (Art. V §6.1)
- County Officers (Chair, three Vice Chairs, Secretary, Treasurer, State EC Members/Alternates, Finance Director if any, Platform & Resolutions, Credentials & Rules) serve ex officio on the County Executive Committee. (Art. VIII §1.D; §3.D)
How They’re Chosen / Seats
- Each precinct elects a County EC Member and an Alternate. (Art. XI §C)
- If no precinct officer exists, the County Chair may nominate individuals (with written consent) for EC election at a duly called meeting. (Art. XI §D)
- Precinct officers serve until the next county convention (or specified time). (Art. VIII §1.I)
- Vacancies are filled by the Alternate Committee Member. (Art. XII §C)
Voting & Attendance
- County Officers may vote at EC meetings except the County Chair, who votes only in case of a tie. (Art. VIII §1.J; “Rules” Art. II §2)
- If a County Officer is also their precinct’s EC Member, the Precinct Alternate votes for that precinct; no person has more than one vote. (Art. VIII §1.J; “Rules” Art. II §2)
- No proxy voting. Voice, standing, and hand-raise are permitted; paper ballots must be labeled/signed. (Art. VII §4; Art. XIV §C)
- EC members unrepresented at three consecutive meetings are deemed to have vacated their seat. (Art. XII §A)
Meetings & Quorum
- At least four (4) EC meetings per year are required. (Art. XIV §A)
- A quorum = 50% of the EC Members/Alternates who attended the previous EC meeting. (Art. XIV §A)
Relationship to Precincts
- Precincts operate under the control of the County Executive Committee. (Art. XI §A)
👉 Executive Committee members, elected every other year from across Horry County precincts, come together quarterly for discussion and updates. The EC approves all HCDP initiatives, especially those requiring a budget.
Who Can Attend?
- Elected EC Members, EC Alternates & Precinct Presidents
- HCDP Officers
- Volunteers and Guests
When & Where
📅 Quarterly on the Second Monday of the month at 6:00 PM
📍 Location TBD
Guests: Contact Us or call the HCDP office at (843)488-HCDP(4237)
What ECs Can Do in their Precinct
Here’s a list of practical things an Horry County Executive Committee (EC) Member can do in their own voting precinct to help build the Democratic Party, strengthen local engagement, and fulfill their role:
👥 Organizing & Outreach
- Maintain precinct contact lists of Democrats, independents, and allies.
- Welcome new voters moving into the precinct—send a note, knock doors, or make calls.
- Recruit volunteers for canvassing, phone banking, voter registration, and events.
- Connect with neighborhood groups (Dem Clubs, HOAs, civic clubs, churches, unions) to spread awareness of Democratic values.
- Build relationships with local candidates and share their information with neighbors.
🗳️ Voter Engagement
- Educate voters about election dates, polling locations, and early voting rules.
- Register new voters (especially young people, new residents, and those who recently moved to precint).
- Organize precinct-level canvasses and neighborhood walks.
- Assist with absentee/mail-in ballot requests and make sure voters understand the process.
- Identify voter concerns and report back to the Party and State EC to help shape priorities.
🏛️ Precinct Development
- Hold precinct meetings (even informal ones) to keep neighbors informed and engaged.
- Encourage attendance at County EC meetings and HCDP events.
- Work with the HCDP Volunteer Coordinator and Party to set goals and projects.
- Fill vacancies (precinct officers, alternates, committee spots, and potential candidates) by recruiting engaged Democrats.
📢 Communication
- Share HCDP updates with neighbors through email, social media, or flyers.
- Promote Democratic events like rallies, fundraisers, or candidate forums.
- Submit local issues and ideas from your precinct to the Party and State EC for discussion/action.
- Speak up & Speak Out about issues in your precinct at monthly Horry County Council meetings.
- Help shape the platform by bringing grassroots resolutions or concerns forward.
📈 Growth & Visibility
- Encourage precinct turnout at county and state conventions.
- Organize community service projects under the Democratic banner (food drives, clean-ups, back-to-school supplies).
- Support fundraising by encouraging small-dollar donations to the party or Democratic Candidates.
- Strengthen Democratic visibility at local parades, fairs, and community events.
In short, EC Members are the direct link between the County Party and the neighborhoods in Horry County. Their work ensures that Democrats in every precinct are informed, represented, and engaged.
State Executive Committee (State EC) Members
Election & Composition
- Elected by the County Convention: two members (one man, one woman) + two alternates (one man, one woman). (Art. VIII §1.B; Art. XV §E)
- The County Chair cannot also serve as a State EC Member; no one may hold more than one County Party office. (Art. VIII §1.F)
- Vacancies may remain open until needed, as determined by the County Chair or State Party. (Art. VIII §1.B.1)
Role in Leadership
- State EC Members & Alternates are part of the County Executive Council. (Art. VIII §3.D)
Duties & Functions (Art. VIII §5)
- Act as liaison between HCDP and the State EC; attend State Party meetings.
- Voting: only the member votes; alternates vote only if the member is absent. (One vote per county.)
- Submit written recommendations to the State EC before mandated meetings.
- Report activities to the County Chair and provide updates at County EC meetings.
- Succession: If a member resigns, dies, or is disabled, the alternate of the same gender assumes the seat.
- Attendance: Missing three consecutive State or County EC meetings results in automatic vacancy.
- Support party work: voter registration, candidate support, GOTV, education, precinct development, and other duties assigned by the Chair.
Voting at County EC Meetings
- State EC Members may vote at County EC meetings; the County Chair votes only in a tie.
- If also holding a precinct EC/Alt seat, they are seated as one or the other and receive only one vote. (Art. VIII §1.J)
Clerk & State Notifications
- If a vacancy occurs due to attendance, the Secretary notifies the State Party Chair, and the County Chair notifies the Alternate in writing. (Art. XII §A)
Building a Stronger Democratic Future
Together, the County EC Members and the State EC Members ensure that the Horry County Democratic Party operates with transparency, inclusivity, and accountability. Precinct-level leadership empowers communities to have a voice, while State EC Members carry that voice to the broader stage of South Carolina politics.
This structure makes certain that local Democrats have a seat at the table—from neighborhood concerns to statewide strategies. By working together, our EC representatives help to build the foundation for stronger campaigns, more effective outreach, and a vibrant Democratic presence across Horry County.
✅ Get Involved: Want to make a difference in your precinct or learn more about serving as an Executive Committee Member? Contact Us or call the HCDP office at (843)488-HCDP(4237).
