Roofing Contractor in Myrtle Beach, SC

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WMBF) - With Election Day right around the corner, here‘s what to know if you’re voting in South Carolina.

WHEN IS ELECTION DAY?

Election Day is Nov. 5, 2024.

WHAT’S ON MY BALLOT?

Click here to check your sample ballot online.

WHERE DO I GO VOTE?

Click here to access your precinct information.

WHEN DO POLLS OPEN?

Polls will open at 7 a.m. on Election Day and will close at 7 p.m. Anyone in line at 7 p.m. will still be allowed to vote.

CAN I BRING MY CHILD WITH ME?

Yes, children under 18 may accompany a voter in a voting booth.

CAN I VOTE EARLY?

Early voting in South Carolina ends on Saturday, Nov. 2.

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO BRING?

Voters in South Carolina will be asked to show one of the following photo IDs:

WHAT IF YOU DON’T HAVE A PHOTO ID?

Per the South Carolina Election Commission:

"If you do not have one of these photo IDs, you can make your voting experience as fast and easy as possible by getting one before Election Day. If you are already registered to vote, you can go to your county voter registration and elections office, provide your date of birth and the last four digits of your Social Security Number, and have your photo taken. You can do this even on Election Day. Free ID Cards are also available from the Department of Motor Vehicles.

If you cannot get a photo ID, bring your non-photo voter registration card with you to the polling place. You can contact your county voter registration office if you need to replace your non-photo voter registration card. You may vote a provisional ballot after signing an affidavit stating you have a reasonable impediment to obtaining a photo ID. A reasonable impediment is any valid reason, beyond your control, which created an obstacle obtaining a photo ID. Some examples include: a disability or illness, a conflict with your work schedule, a lack of transportation, a lack of a birth certificate, family responsibilities, a religious objection to being photographed, and any other obstacle you find reasonable. This ballot will count unless someone proves to the county board of voter registration and elections that you are lying about your identity or having the listed impediment.

To vote under the reasonable impediment exception:

WHAT IF YOU FORGOT YOUR PHOTO ID?

If you forgot your photo ID when going to vote, you will be able to vote with a provisional ballot that will only count if you show a photo ID to your county election office before the election is certified.

Results are certified on the Friday after the general election, which would be on Nov. 8.

CAN I VOTE WITHOUT MY NON-PHOTO VOTER REGISTRATION CARD?

Yes. You can also get a replacement card anytime at your county’s election office.

WHAT IF I’M VOTING ABSENTEE?

Absentee ballots must be returned to the county elections office via mail or personal delivery by 7 p.m. on Election Day. They can also be returned to an early voting center during the early voting period.

ARE THERE LAWS ABOUT CANDIDATES POSTING SIGNS ALONG THE ROADWAY?

Per the South Carolina Election Commission:

Yes, there are several state laws addressing political signs on roadways, as well as county and municipal ordinances. See S.C. Code of Laws Sections 57-25-10, 57-25-140, and 7-25-210. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the entity that maintains the road (state, county, or municipality) to enforce applicable sign laws.

CAN CANDIDATES OR THEIR REPRESENTATIVES TAKE PEOPLE TO THE POLLS TO VOTE?

Yes - any person can give a voter a ride as long as it’s being done solely to help them vote. No one is allowed to offer anything of value in exchange for voting.

CAN CAMPAIGNS POST SIGNS ALONG THE ROADWAY?

Per the South Carolina Election Commission:

Yes, there are several state laws addressing political signs on roadways, as well as county and municipal ordinances. See S.C. Code of Laws Sections 57-25-10, 57-25-140, and 7-25-210. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the entity that maintains the road (state, county, or municipality) to enforce applicable sign laws.

CAN CANDIDATES AND/OR CAMPAIGNS TALK TO VOTERS AT A POLLING PLACE?

Per the South Carolina Election Commission:

Yes, but there are restrictions:

Inside the polling place: No campaigning is allowed. Candidates may be inside the polling place and talk to voters as long as they are not campaigning, intimidating voters, or interfering with the election process.

Within 500 feet of an entrance to a polling place: Candidates and campaign staff may campaign as long as they are not intimidating voters or interfering with the election process. However, no campaign literature, signs, or posters are allowed. Candidates are allowed to wear a badge no larger than 4.25” x 4.25” featuring only the candidate’s name and office sought. Candidates must remove their badge upon entering a polling place.

WHAT IF I’M ASKED TO AN EXIT POLL?

Exit polling is legal and voluntary - but is not conducted by the South Carolina Election Commission or county election boards.

WHERE CAN I FILE A COMPLAINT ABOUT THE ELECTION?

If you’re having an issue at your specific polling place, contact your poll manager or county elections office as soon as possible.

Stay with WMBF News for updates.

Copyright 2024 WMBF. All rights reserved.

North Myrtle Beach in South Carolina is one of the best and most affordable retirement destinations in the South, according to a new list from Southern Living and Investopedia.

The list evaluated median income and monthly housing cost estimates of Census designated cities and towns in southern states from the 2022 American Community Survey. In addition to cost metrics like taxes and housing, Southern Living and Investopedia looked at criteria like the prevalence of restaurants, hospitals and colleges.

With an estimated median monthly housing cost of $1,075, the report shows housing costs in North Myrtle Beach are 8% lower than across the region. On top of that, South Carolina doesn’t tax Social Security Benefits and provides both income tax deductions and property tax homestead exemptions to eligible seniors.

The city is also a popular spot for both older people and transplants. According to the American Community Survey used to create the list, North Myrtle Beach has a median age around 60 years old and about 8% of residents polled had moved to the Palmetto State within the last year.

The list touts North Myrtle Beach as a calmer and more affordable alternative to the city of Myrtle Beach in the Grand Strand, with more than 80 regional golf courses, local seafood and excellent medical facilities in the area. North Myrtle Beach also gets a shout out for its nature at area beaches and Heritage Shores Nature Preserve.

While North Myrtle Beach was the only South Carolina city to make the report, Hickory in North Carolina also earned a spot on the list. With an estimated median housing cost of $960 a month, housing in Hickory is about 17% more affordable than in the South as a whole.

Here’s the full list of the 10 best and most affordable retirement destinations in southern states.

Orange Beach, Alabama

Estimated median monthly housing costs: $1,279

Fredericksburg, Texas

Estimated median monthly housing costs: $1,254

Maryville, Tennessee

Estimated median monthly housing costs: $1,125

Vero Beach, Florida

Estimated median monthly housing costs: $1,099

North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Estimated median monthly housing costs: $1,075

Hickory, North Carolina

Estimated median monthly housing costs: $960

Valdosta, Georgia

Estimated median monthly housing costs: $893

Charleston, West Virginia

Estimated median monthly housing costs: $857

Hot Springs, Arkansas

Estimated median monthly housing costs: $810

Englewood, Florida

Estimated median monthly housing costs: $779

This story was originally published November 2, 2024, 6:00 AM.

The Sun News

703-944-4132

Maria Elena Scott writes about trending topics and what you need to know in the Grand Strand. She studied journalism at the University of Houston and covered Cleveland news before coming to the Palmetto State.

(NewsNation) — The FBI confirmed to NewsNation on Friday that it is conducting “court-authorized law enforcement activity” at the home of John-Paul Miller in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

The agency did not give any information on why the search was being conducted.

He is the husband of Mica Miller, whose death while in the process of divorcing her husband came under scrutiny.

NewsNation local affiliate WBTW reported multiple law enforcement vehicles and around 25 agents at the home, which is owned by Solid Rock Ministries.

John-Paul Miller did not appear to be home when the warrant was served.

Mica Miller’s death was officially ruled a suicide, but her friends and family have suggested otherwise and pointed to what they say is a history of abuse by John-Paul Miller against his wife.

Miller was found dead of a gunshot injury in Lumber River National Park in North Carolina. After her death was ruled a suicide, other theories spread online based on information about the couple’s marriage, including a 911 call days before her death where Miller said she was scared for her life after finding a GPS tracker on her car.

The couple was estranged while Miller was seeking a divorce from her husband, and her family has said, based on her statements and journals, that she was a victim of abuse and coercive control by her husband.

John-Paul Miller had served as a pastor at Solid Rock Church but was released after his wife’s death. He has denied all reports of abuse and said he was trying to get help for his estranged wife, who he said was mentally ill.

Anna Francis, Mica Miller’s sister, told NewsNation that the family is focusing energies on a benefit for her when asked for comment on the search.

This is a developing story. Check back for more details.

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WMBF) - Federal authorities were at the home of a Myrtle Beach pastor linked to an investigation that gained national attention.

FBI spokesperson Kevin Wheeler confirmed to WMBF News that they are doing an authorized search at the home of John-Paul Miller on Coldwater Circle. No further information was provided.

WMBF News Reporters Ale Espinosa and Ashley Boles were both at the scene throughout the afternoon and saw FBI agents at the home. They also saw agents going in and out of the home and carrying evidence bags.

As of around 4 p.m., neighbors told WMBF News the agents had been at Miller’s home for hours. By around 6 p.m., the FBI had cleared out.

“It‘s just one of those things that you don’t think would ever happen where you live,” said Butch, a neighbor of Miller’s.

Earlier this year authorities ruled Miller’s wife, Mica, died by suicide in Robeson County, North Carolina.

Mica Miller’s death gained national attention due to allegations surrounding her marriage to John-Paul Miller. At that time, John-Paul Miller was the pastor of Solid Rock Church in Myrtle Beach.

It‘s unclear if the FBI’s search was related to her death.

John-Paul Miller, meanwhile, was not found at the home and his whereabouts were unknown Friday afternoon.

Butch said while he didn’t really know John-Paul Miller personally, one particular clue makes him think Miller had not been home for the past few days.

“He walks the dogs and basically goes back inside. That’s basically it,” he said. “It’s been a couple of days. His truck is gone. His truck was there yesterday, but it’s gone today.”

The search also brought up emotions for the community and neighbors - as well as those who have followed the case since it first gained national attention.

“I’ve been following it since the day after it happened,” said Gina Whittington. “I watched the pastor announce Mica’s passing from inside the church, and followed it quickly. I was working today, and actually was on a TikTok live and it was announced that the FBI was at the pastor’s house. And it just went from there.”

This story will be updated as more details are released.

Stay with WMBF News for updates.

Copyright 2024 WMBF. All rights reserved.

HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) — Federal authorities who spent most of Friday afternoon conducting an investigation at the home of Solid Rock church pastor John-Paul Miller began packing up and leaving shortly before 5 p.m.

Multiple law-enforcement vehicles gathered earlier Friday outside his home on Coldwater Circle in the Azalea Lakes neighborhood. Authorities were seen carrying items out of the house late Friday afternoon, including boxes, a computer screen, and what looked like an external computer drive.

The exact reason for the investigation remains unclear, but FBI spokesman Kevin Wheeler told News13 that agents were “conducting court authorized law enforcement activity” at the home.

A News13 reporter saw about 25 FBI agents at the home. They were wearing uniforms that said “Evidence Response Team.” They were putting on gloves and bringing bags from a truck while appearing to be preparing to enter the home.

Neighbors said that authorities told them they were at the home to execute a search warrant. They also said that Miller was not home when investigators arrived.

“I came back outside and saw cop cars everywhere. Officers in the front yard with guns drawn, got a little bit nervous,” next-door neighbor Dennis Blair said. “Then I heard the bullhorn go off, saying, ‘This is the FBI, we have your house surrounded. Come out with your hands up. We’re here to execute a warrant.’ At that point, I got a little nervous and they yelled at me to grab my dog and go back into the house.”

According to public records, the home is owned by Solid Rock Ministries Inc. It was transferred from Miller on Dec. 15, 2023.

Later Friday afternoon, a group of “Justice for Mica” supporters gathered in the driveway of a home across from John-Paul’s. They were wearing “Justice for Mica” t-shirts and holding hands in a circle and praying.

Controversy has swirled around Miller and his Market Common church, since his wife, Mica, was found dead in late April at the Lumber River State Park in Robeson County. Her death was eventually ruled a suicide, but the case sparked nationwide interest because of allegations that she was abused by her husband before her death.

News13 has tried to contact John-Paul Miller about the investigation but has not been able to speak to him. A phone call indicated that the number had been changed or disconnected.

Regina Ward, the attorney who has represented Mica’s family and her estate during legal proceedings, told News13 that she was still trying to gather information about the situation, but she did acknowledge the FBI would not have been there if they didn’t have a reason.

“The FBI is obviously a very professional agency,” she said. “They make sure they dot their I’s and cross their T’s and they would not have been here today unless they were absolutely ready to execute that search warrant.”

This is a developing story. Count on News13 for more information.