Myrtle Beach Residents Weigh in on Election Stickers Controversy
In Myrtle Beach, the buzz around town isn’t just about the waves and sand – it’s about voting and stickers! Recently, Horry County Councilman Al Allen stirred the pot by publicly expressing his disapproval of the new Spanish-language “I Voted” stickers introduced during this election season. His comments, shared via a Facebook post, caught the attention of many local residents.
What Happened?
In his post, Allen stated he was “offended” by the presence of these stickers, saying, “I can understand a mistake being made in another state, but not here.” He went on to apologize to constituents who may have felt the same way, closing with the phrase “America First Always” and a little American flag emoji for flair.
This controversy has sparked discussions in our community, as many folks are questioning the rationale behind introducing Spanish-language stickers. It’s important to note that while the U.S. doesn’t have an official language, some states must provide voting materials in languages other than English if there are enough speakers of that language – specifically, at least 10,000 people. This requirement is part of the Voting Rights Act and affects 330 jurisdictions across 27 states. But, guess what? South Carolina isn’t on that list, and yet these Spanish stickers are becoming a hot topic!
A New Approach to Voter Engagement
Here’s the scoop: the South Carolina Election Commission rolled out these Spanish-language stickers to help engage their Spanish-speaking citizens better. A spokesperson for the commission clarified that counties were instructed during training to allow voters to choose whether they wanted the sticker in English or Spanish. It turns out, Spanish-language stickers make up a little over one-fifth of all those distributed.
According to the 2020 Census, there are approximately 352,000 Hispanic or Latino individuals living in South Carolina, with a significant portion residing right here in Horry County. This upswing in demographics is likely why the Election Commission decided to add Spanish-language options – aiming to be more inclusive and reach out to everyone in our community.
What’s the Community Saying?
As you can imagine, responses to Councilman Allen’s post have been mixed. Some folks support his view, believing that voter engagement should stick to English. Others, however, recognize the importance of making all residents feel represented in the voting process. It’s a bit of a balancing act!
Many residents agree that our community is becoming increasingly diverse, and they appreciate efforts to reach out to all potential voters, even if that means having different language options available. After all, the more voices we hear, the stronger our democracy becomes!
Looking Ahead
As we roll into one of the most critical election periods, it’s essential for everyone in Myrtle Beach to stay informed about voting rights and options, whether they prefer to speak English or Spanish. It’s all about getting everyone involved and making sure that every voice is heard! After all, every vote counts, and it’s our civic duty to participate in this important process.
In conclusion, while the debate rages on, one thing is for sure: Myrtle Beach is full of passionate folks who care about their community. We’ll be watching to see how this situation unfolds and how our local leadership continues to navigate the waters of representation and voter inclusion.
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.
