HATTIESBURG — Bickering broke out on the third day of vote counting in the do-over election for Hattiesburg mayor.
By late Thursday afternoon, officials still hadn’t determined the winner of the race — former city council member Dave Ware, who ran as an independent; or three-term Mayor Johnny DuPree, a Democrat. A third candidate, Shawn O’Hara, received only a few votes.
WDAM-TV reports counting was delayed Thursday afternoon because of an argument between election commissioner Turner Jones and one of Ware’s election consultants, longtime Republican Pete Perry of Jackson.
DuPree narrowly won the June 4 regular election, but Ware filed a lawsuit saying there were irregularities with some ballots. A judge ordered a special election.
Ware was leading the special election before officials started trying to count absentee and affidavit ballots.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 36 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.