LAURINBURG — With the election filing period now in the rear view mirror, 25 candidates across Scotland County’s five municipalities will work toward keeping or earning a seat as an elected official.
In Laurinburg, there are a total of eight candidates running for city council, including three incumbents.
District 1 incumbent J.D. Willis will face a challenge from Mary Evans.
In District 2, council member Drew Williamson will face three challengers Brian Gainey, George Medlock and Frank Evans .
There is also a race for the at-large seat on council between incumbent Dee Hammond and challengers James Garby, Jr. and Roy Guinn.
The town of Gibson will have five names of the ballot this November, with incumbents Mayor Ronnie Hudson and town Commissioner Kenneth Haney as the only current officials who filed for reelection. Those challenging Haney and looking to fill the other two vacant seat are Belton Chavis, Myra Tyndall, and Adam Liles.
Current Gibson town Commissioners Lula Adell Cottingham and Mack Wilkins, who were elected in 2013 did not file to run for reelection.
East Laurinburg’s section of the municipal election ballot will only have one incumbent running for reelection and a town commissioner, Tyresa Haywood. Also running for commissioner are Gail Chavis and current East Laurinburg mayor, Wayne Caulder.
Joni Weatherford Giles is the sole candidate running for mayor of the township.
Town Commissioners David Cooper and Kenny Morton, who have represented their town since 2015 did not file for another term.
In Wagram, the ballot will be filled with familiar faces, since the only residents to file are incumbents, Mayor Milton Farmer and town Commissioners Hyner Massey, Jr., Paschal Stewart, and Robert McLaughlin.
Maxton had three candidates file for town commissioner seats, which includes incumbent Virgil Hutchinson, Victor Reginald Womack, Sr., and Donna Locklear.
These candidates will be the only names to be printed on the Nov. 8 municipal elections, but Scotland County voters will still be able to write in their preferred candidate if not already listed.
Key dates
Voter registration ends Oct. 13. But voters can register during early voting Oct. 19 to Nov. 4 with a proof of name and residency.
Voters can request an absentee by mail ballot from Oct. 6 to oct. 31. Ballots must be mailed and postmarked by Nov. 7.
Muncipal elections will take place Nov. 7 from 6:30 am. to 7:30 p.m. Precincts 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, and 10 will be open for the election.
Precinct Four has moved from the National Guard Armory to the Laurinburg Fire Department South Station at 1547 Hickory Street.
