A Line That Should Never Be Crossed

It’s hard to believe this even needs to be said.

A Kershaw County service member, currently forward-deployed to serve our nation, is being denied his right to representation within his own Republican Party here at home. Before deploying, he followed every proper procedure and designated his wife as his proxy—so his vote and voice would still be heard while he fulfills his duty overseas.

But the Kershaw County GOP Chair has refused to recognize that proxy, citing reasons that are not only wrong under Party rules, but morally indefensible. Let that sink in: A man who risks his life defending our freedoms abroad is being stripped of one of his own right here on American soil.

This isn’t about politics. It’s about decency, integrity, and respect for those who serve.

Under Rule 8 (Proxies) of the South Carolina Republican Party Rules, “Proxies may be used by any County Committeeman… To be valid, a proxy must be in writing, and a County Committeeman may appoint a proxy only from his own precinct.” This service member—from the Malvern Hills Precinct—did exactly that. His written proxy was clear, proper, and fully compliant.

Yet somehow, this family—already sacrificing so much—is now being punished for their service.

Such an act is appalling and unjust. It undermines the very principles our Party claims to stand for: fairness, transparency, integrity, and honor for those who defend our freedoms.

We can debate policy all day long, but denying a deployed soldier his right to representation? That’s a line every American should agree must never be crossed.

We call on Party leadership at every level to immediately correct this injustice and reaffirm that those who protect our rights abroad will not be denied theirs at home. Because when we fail to honor those who serve, we fail the very values that make us who we are.

Contact the Kershaw County GOP leadership and demand this proxy be honored immediately. Stand up for those who stand for us.