ATLANTIC BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) — State investigators are probing claims of election fraud that may have altered the results of last November’s municipal contests , town officials said on Monday.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division “has been asked to investigate the propriety of some of those votes that were alleged to have been improper … It would be premature to make a decision before you have all the evidence,” Town Attorney Dwayne Green told the town’s election commission.
The commission in April invalidated the mayoral race between John David and Josephine Isom after 13 of 19 challenged ballots were considered fraudulent.
Unofficial results showed Isom with 62 votes against David’s 49, but a recount left with 65. Isom then filed a protest.
Atlantic Beach councilwoman files lawsuit, alleges town kept her from fulfilling duties
Green told commissioners he agreed with the legal opinion of former town attorney Joseph Dickey, who urged the panel not to act until all evidence is gathered.