Incorrect ballots were mailed to 1,324 voters living in West Ashley related to Charleston County Council elections in District 6 and 7. The county Board of Elections and Voter Registration said Wednesday that it is working to mail out replacement ballots.
Charleston County Republican Party Chair Maurice Washington said in a statement that he received a call Tuesday night from a West Ashley couple whose ballots did not include the names of those running for County Council in their district.
“I immediately reached out and shared the information with Joe Debney, executive director of the Charleston County Election Commission,” Washington said in an email. “He pledged to correct this mistake immediately.”
Impacted voters who normally cast ballots in St. Andrews precincts 3, 4 and 28 will receive replacement absentee ballots in three to five business days. The mistake did not affect any other contested races included on ballots. Voters should only mail back the replacement ballot, which is marked with a purple stripe on the envelope.
In addition, 225 in-person absentee voters also received the wrong ballot for Council Districts 6 and 7. Some were unable to vote for the Charleston County Council candidate representing their district, and others were able to vote for a candidate outside their district.
“State law does not allow for changes to those ballots and those votes will count,” a Charleston County press release read Wednesday.
In County Council District 6, Libertarian Melissa Couture, Republican Darryl Griffin and Democratic candidate Kylon Middleton are are in the race to fill a vacancy being left by incumbent Councilman Vic Rawl.
Voters affected in District 6:
- By mail: 652 voters
- In-person: 49 voters without the County Council 6 race on their ballot; 28 voters with the County Council 6 race on their ballots by mistake
In County Council District 7, Republican incumbent Brantley Moody faces a challenge from Libertarian candidate Sean Thornton.
Voters affected in District 7:
- By mail: 672 voters
- In-person: 148 voters
Charleston County Board of Elections Commission said it notified affected candidates and has contacted chairs of local Democratic and Republican parties.
“Please make sure that your ballots are complete and include all candidates running for office in your area,” Washington said.
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