Oct. 27, 2008
Judge tosses out disputed absentee ballots By Scott Wright In a brief, three-page filing, Etowah County Circuit Judge
William Rhea, III ruled earlier today that around 30 questionable ballots
that were picked up by agents of several candidates Cedar Bluff’s municipal
election were illegally distributed and must be discounted from the final
vote tally. He preceded his ruling with a flat denial of a multitude
of motions for dismissal filed on behalf of several defendants. As per Judge Rhea’s order, Centre attorney Evan Smith’s
eight absentee votes are discounted, leaving Billie Burkhalter the winner in
the District 1 Town Council race. In District 2, 13 absentee ballots cast
for Donald Sanders are tossed out, meaning Lenora McWhorter is the winner of
that contest. In the mayor’s race, 18 absentee votes cast on Aug. 26 for
the since-deceased Steve Lay are negated, moving challenger Jimmy Wallace
into second place and a runoff with top vote-getter Ethel Sprouse.
Judge Rhea gave all parties involved until Wednesday to
challenge his ruling. If there is a challenge, he has a hearing scheduled
for Nov. 3 at 1:30 p.m. in his Plaintiffs’ attorney Shane Givens was not available for comment Monday afternoon. |