Myrtle Beach, October 17, 2025
News Summary
Myrtle Beach residents are gearing up for the municipal election with early voting from October 20 to October 31. Election Day is November 4, where voters will select a new mayor and city council members. Brenda Bethune, the current mayor, is running for reelection, focusing on public safety and economic growth. North Myrtle Beach will also hold elections for mayor and city council members on the same day, as current mayor Marilyn Hatley retires after six terms.
Myrtle Beach residents are preparing to vote in the upcoming municipal election, with early voting set to begin on Monday, October 20, and last until Friday, October 31. Election Day is scheduled for Tuesday, November 4, when voters will choose their next mayor and city council members.
Voters seeking further information about the election can access resources through various local platforms. In an effort to inform the public, candidates for the mayoral position in Myrtle Beach were asked the same five questions to outline their positions and proposals if elected.
Candidates for Mayor
Brenda Bethune is aiming for reelection as mayor of Myrtle Beach. Describing Myrtle Beach as her lifelong home, she has built a business, raised a family, and contributed to the community. Under her leadership, she reports a nearly 50% decrease in violent crime, and notes that public safety funding has doubled, alongside substantial investments in downtown infrastructure and economic growth.
If reelected, Bethune plans to focus on public safety, support for small businesses, and the protection of neighborhoods. She identifies youth violence as a significant issue, emphasizing that solutions must address underlying causes such as family dysfunction, poverty, and mental health services accessibility. A curfew for those 17 and under has been enforced to combat youth violence, but Bethune stresses the necessity of broader community support.
Other candidates in the Myrtle Beach mayoral race include Mark McBride, Mark Kruea, Daniel Aumen, and Eva Rigney, each presenting platforms that highlight public safety, economic growth, and community concerns.
North Myrtle Beach Election
In addition to Myrtle Beach, voters in North Myrtle Beach will also be selecting a new mayor and three city council members on November 4. Current Mayor Marilyn Hatley is retiring after completing six terms in office.
Potential successors for Hatley’s position include Mayor Pro Tem J. Baldwin, former North Myrtle Beach City Manager Mike Mahaney, and Troy Spencer. There are also candidates contesting three city council seats, with at least one new member expected due to incumbent Nikki Fontana choosing not to run for reelection.
Voting Information
Early voting in North Myrtle Beach will coincide with that of Myrtle Beach, running from October 20 to October 31. Absentee ballots must be requested through the Horry County Voter Registration Office. On Election Day, polling stations will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters must ensure they are registered by Saturday, October 4, 2025, to participate.
Voting locations in North Myrtle Beach will be available at various precincts, including community centers and schools.
Summary of Key Election Information
| Feature | Myrtle Beach | North Myrtle Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Early Voting Period | October 20 – October 31 | October 20 – October 31 |
| Election Day | November 4 | November 4 |
| Current Mayor | Brenda Bethune | Marilyn Hatley (retiring) |
| Poll Opening Hours | 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. | 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. |
| Voter Registration Deadline | October 4, 2025 | October 4, 2025 |
| Major Issues Addressed by Candidates | Public Safety, Economic Growth | Public Safety, Economic Growth |
FAQ
When does early voting start for the Myrtle Beach municipal election?
Early voting will start on Monday, October 20, and end on Friday, October 31.
What is the Election Day for the Myrtle Beach municipal election?
Election Day is scheduled for Tuesday, November 4.
Who are the candidates for mayor in Myrtle Beach?
Candidates include Brenda Bethune, Mark McBride, Mark Kruea, Daniel Aumen, and Eva Rigney.
What are the key issues being addressed by the candidates?
The key issues include public safety, economic growth, and resident concerns.
What is the voter registration deadline for this election?
Voters must be registered by Saturday, October 4, 2025.
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Additional Resources
- Myrtle Beach Online Opinion Article
- WMBF News: Meet Myrtle Beach Mayoral Candidate Mark McBride
- WPDE: Myrtle Beach Municipal Election Candidate Overview
- Horry News: North Myrtle Beach Voter Election Coverage
- Post and Courier: Myrtle Beach Candidate Coverage
- Wikipedia: Myrtle Beach
- Google Search: Myrtle Beach Municipal Election
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Myrtle Beach
- Google News: Myrtle Beach Election
- Google Scholar: Myrtle Beach Mayoral Election
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
