The two candidates for Atlantic Beach's mayors seat, faced off inside a Conway courtroom Monday morning.
In November's election, incumbent mayor, Irene Armstrong lost the mayor's seat to Retha Pierce; Pierce also holds a seat on Atlantic Beach's town council.
The initial vote totals gave Pierce the victory with a 71 vote to 66 vote margin over Armstrong.
Armstrong protested the election and the Atlantic Beach Election Commission held a provisional ballot hearing on Nov. 8 to hear challenges from Armstrong about votes not counted.
Armstrong claimed 10 voters were turned away from the polls by poll managers because of failing to prove residency.
Pierce claims none of the people who cast the contested votes that Armstrong wants included in the vote totals, even live in Atlantic Beach.
Armstrong wants a judge to uphold the Atlantic Beach Elections Commission decision to hold a new election, Pierce wants the court to uphold and reinstate her certification as the winner of the mayor's race.
Pierce's attorney, Irby Walker, told the court that state law requires a candidate to file a notice of contest within 48 hours of an election, Walker said Armstrong did file the notice, but claims Armstrong delayed the proceedings.
Armstrong's attorney, David Cantey, told the court his client did everything within the law and that the court should uphold the election commission's decision for the new election.
Judge Michael Baxley told both sides he would take the case under advisement and should render a decision on the matter within the next 10 days.
You can count on News13 to continue to update this story as details come, and you can get the latest and hear from both sides tonight on News13 at 5 and 6.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement