Thousands are turning out to vote using absentee ballots for fear of big crowds and long lines on election day

What’s expected to be a record voter turnout is likely to be slowed even more in South Carolina by three constitutional amendment questions on the ballot.

It’s been three decades since a Democrat won in South Carolina’s coastal 1st Congressional District and if that doesn’t change this Election Day, it won’t be for lack of trying.

In addition to national and local political offices, Horry County voters will also be voting on four questions on the ballot.  Amendment No. 1 is a question about the age of consent for sexual intercourse, Amendment No. 2 is a question about state employee benefits, Amendment No. 3 is a question about local employee benefits, and the fourth question is about an Education Capital Improvements Sales Tax.

MYRTLE BEACH (AP)—A Republican South Carolina lawmaker is taking aim at the sexual orientation of a Democratic congressional candidate, saying voters should know about the openly gay woman’s activism.

A seasoned politician is battling a little-known newcomer for the Horry County Council seat in District 3, which includes the south part of Myrtle Beach and most of Carolina Forest, in one of the most heated local races of the year.

To hear U.S. Rep. Henry Brown’s latest radio ad, Democratic rival Linda Ketner supports abortion at any time and wants to give sanctuary to illegal immigrants.

When it comes time for voters to cast ballots, Horry County election officials say there are several important things to remember.

Much of the heat in a South Carolina congressional race comes from four years ago — a battle over what started as a controlled burn on the farm of Republican U.S. Rep. Henry Brown that spread to a national forest.

The final televised showdown between 1st Congressional District hopefuls Linda Ketner and incumbent Henry Brown was a bit like their first: Much talk over the day’s big issue, the battered economy, and fresh sparks over a fire that Brown set almost five years ago.

Democrat Linda Ketner and Republican incumbent Republican Henry Brown sparred over economics, energy and health care for nearly an hour Wednesday night. But the real fireworks started during an end of broadcast feud over a forest fire.