Aberdeen”s school board election moved forward Saturday despite a lawsuit attempting to block the proceedings.
Patricia Ann Reese Howell defeated board president Michael Jackson 473-247, with 39 affidavit votes cast. Howell will begin immediately when the school board meets tonight.
A lawsuit was filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court seeking an injunction to stop the election. The injunction was denied Thursday.
Ruby Cunningham, Willlie H. McNairy and Ladie M. James filed the suit, claiming the election violated their civil rights because absentee votes are not accepted in school board elections.
Aberdeen Superintendent Chester Leigh contacted the attorney general”s office prior to the election to confirm absentee ballots are prohibited by state law in school board elections.
The plaintiffs” attorney, Wilbur Colom, was not available for comment.
In another area school board election, Cameron Boyd defeated Christopher Baldwin 209-44 for a spot on the West Point school board.
Boyd will replace Louis Odneal, who stepped down after 20 years. The West Point board also meets tonight.
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