The Sumter County Board of Elections met on February 4. It was recently brought to the attention of the Americus Times-Recorder that during the Lower Chattahoochee River Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor race, several names had been adjudicated to Jeffrey Clemmons that did not appear to match.

When asked how Clay Jones could be adjudicated to Jeffrey Clemmons, Dr. Shirley Latimore replied; “As I said, I am trying to prepare mentally.” She commented further that her preparation was for the meeting.

Board of Elections Supervisor LaSandra Patterson gave an update. She stated that the City of Plains had qualifying the day prior for City Council seat, Post Three. So far only one person has qualified. Patterson stated tomorrow at 4:30 pm was the deadline to qualify. “If a second person can be found, advanced voting will begin February of 24 through March 14th.”

Patterson noted that the City of Andersonville was going to have three City Council seats up for election in November with qualifying starting in August.

Board Chair Randy Howard entertained a motion. “I need a motion going into executive session to discuss a legal matter.” Board member Carson Walker made a motion, seconded by Dr. Shirley Green-Reese, passing unanimously.

After executive session, Howard commented that a statement would be forthcoming. The Americus Times-Recorder received the following statement from the Board’s attorney Hayden Hooks on February 6. “In tabulating results for the Soil & Water Conservation District position, all votes cast were mistakenly adjudicated to the only qualified candidate, Mr. Jeffrey Clements. Georgia law requires write-in candidates to comply with the requirements of O.C.G.A. 21-2-133. Mr. Clements was the only individual who complied with these requirements and therefore was the only individual eligible to have write-in votes counted. Accordingly, the error had no bearing on the outcome of this election. Board Supervisor Lasandra Patterson self-reported this error to the Office of the Secretary of State and the Board and Ms. Patterson are cooperating with the Secretary of State’s investigation.”