Disputed State Senate Race Set for Hearing in Lee County
LEE COUNTY, S.C. — The South Carolina Election Commission will hold a hearing next week regarding a formal protest lodged in a closely contested State Senate race. The incumbent, Democrat Gerald Malloy, is challenging the election results against Republican J.D. Chaplin due to discrepancies found in the vote count from Lee County.
What Happened?
Gerald Malloy’s protest stems from a recount that was triggered by the narrow margins seen on election night. The initial tally showed a close race, prompting the recount which revealed 4,643 votes in Lee County—70 fewer votes than previously counted. Even more significant were the adjustments in the candidates’ tallies: Chaplin lost 129 votes while Malloy gained 59 votes. Despite this gain, Chaplin still leads by 87 votes.
Where and When?
The hearing is scheduled for December 3 at 10 a.m. in front of the South Carolina Election Commission. This commission will evaluate the dispute surrounding the election results in Lee County, where the vote discrepancies are solely being challenged.
Why the Discrepancies?
In a letter dated November 18, the election commission requested clarification from the Lee County Voter Registration and Elections Office regarding the discrepancies that surfaced during the recount. The county’s response indicated that these issues were primarily due to test ballots that had not been properly reset before counting on election night.
County Office’s Position
The Lee County Elections Office asserted, “The recount process in Lee County follows and adheres to the state and federal election laws established in the recount procedure.” Despite the confidence expressed in their processes, the shifts in vote counts raise questions as the commission seeks to establish clarity.
Future Implications
As the hearing progresses, officials may consider whether to mandate a new election if they find substantial evidence supporting Malloy’s claims. The length of the hearing could vary, as the commissioners will thoroughly review all evidence and testimony presented during the proceedings.
Understanding the Stakes
The outcome of this hearing could have far-reaching implications not just for the candidates involved but also for the residents of South Carolina’s District 29. The integrity of the electoral process remains paramount, and this dispute highlights the critical role recounts can play in ensuring accurate election results.
As the hearing date approaches, both candidates and their supporters are keenly awaiting developments. Observers are hopeful that the commission’s deliberations will shed light on the counting process and ultimately lead to a fair and justified outcome.
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
