Now is when we can do more than talk: it’s time to vote!
Our message at Coastal Democracy is simple: If we want America’s 250-year-long experiment of a government of the people, by the people, and for the people to continue, we must cast our votes.
We encourage EVERYONE to cast their vote early during this election season. Horry County provides for early voting from Monday (10/19) through Saturday (10/31)—excluding Sunday (10/25)—with photo ID.*
To both celebrate and assert our shared democratic rights, we are participating in the fourth nationwide No Kings day event by holding a demonstration on Saturday, October 17 from 11:00am to 1:00pm in front of the Horry County Courthouse.
As we rally, it’s important that we are all clear regarding our tactics:
1. WE ARE BUILDING A BIG TENT. Our goal is to create new allies, allies who might have voted for the current regime in the past but have now grown uncomfortable with its authoritarian policies. Please make sure your signs are free of profanity, are nonpartisan (do not name elected officials or political parties), and appeal to the values of the widest possible Horry County audience (values that the current regime is now trampling underfoot). We especially welcome American flags. We want to avoid alienating people of good conscience or triggering defensiveness in those who are in the difficult place of questioning their past voting behavior. This is a critical strategic decision based on our particular local context.
2. WE ARE NONVIOLENT, EVEN IN OUR SPEECH. Most passersby will show enthusiastic support for our pro-democracy message, but some–including counter protesters–will curse us, and others will attempt to bait us into argument. Don’t fall for it! These engagements are not productive and create an atmosphere of escalating tension. Instead, we will smile and wave at everyone and ignore verbal challenges.
3. WE MUST REMAIN ON THE SIDEWALK. The city of Conway has granted us a special event permit for the sidewalk. However, the Courthouse lawn is Horry County property, and we are not permitted to encroach upon it.
4. WE RADIATE JOY. Authoritarian breakthrough is deadly serious, and we must be prepared to struggle mightily if we want to keep our democracy. But we also want to model and experience the promise of a joyful community. Feel free to wear costumes and cheer loudly!
Join us—we’re looking forward to seeing you there!
For updates, follow Coastal Democracy on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/coastal_democracy?igsh=cTl1ZzFsNGNzM3F3&utm_source=qr
or
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/share/1A969m5UKL/?mibextid=wwXIfr
*Go to South Carolina Election Commission’s early voting page for details:
https://scvotes.gov/voters/early-voting/
This a local Indivisible event!
*A core principle behind all Indivisible events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values.*