Third Mayoral Election in Atlantic Beach

The election commission in Atlantic Beach has set the town’s latest mayoral election for Jan. 13, but the board’s leader says it will support anyone who challenges the ballot.

The latest election is needed after the South Carolina Supreme Court ordered a third election, ruling a contest last month should not have included a write-in blank.

The ballot for next month has no write-in slot and just two names - town councilwoman Retha Pierce and Mayor Irene Armstrong, who has been indicted on misconduct charges and suspended from office.

Election Commissioner Alice Graham told The Sun News of Myrtle Beach that the commission thinks a write-in slot should be included, and it will back anyone who asks the Supreme Court to reconsider its decision.