When Andy Williamson received 1,100 votes on Aug. 8, he was told he secured the winning majority in the three-man Republican primary for District 3 supervisor.
However, just a few days later, that was no longer the case.
Eight affidavit votes for his closest opponent Tony Hannah, one for Chad Frasher and three yet unreceived absentee ballots have now bumped Williamson below the winning threshold.
Williamson’s total easily secured him first place, with Hannah earning 681 and Frasher getting 403. There were also 17 write-in votes.
But Williamson needs two of the remaining three ballots to reach the 50%-plus-one mark needed to avoid a runoff Aug. 29 against Hannah.
Lowndes County Deputy Circuit Clerk Ann Marie Higgins said those votes must arrive by 5 p.m. Tuesday to be counted before the election is certified. The outstanding ballots are from older, disabled county residents who may not have gotten the ballots back into the mail until primary day, she said.
Runoff or not, the Republican nominee will face independent Christopher Moore in the Nov. 7 general election. The general election winner will replace John Holliman, who did not run for reelection.
“It is what it is,” Williamson said. “I still got the most votes. I’m still way ahead. I’m actually campaigning now just in case because I don’t have time to wait a week if we do have a runoff.”
Hannah said he is glad to possibly receive a second chance at the primary, and he hopes more people will come out to support him.
“We’re just excited to continue to be in the race, and we just need all of the voters that voted for me before to get back out to the polls,” Hannah said. “This proves that your vote counts, and we need everybody that is wanting to vote to go vote.”
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 30 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 30 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
Join the Discussion