Runoff likely in Loris mayoral race as one vote separates Harrelson, Suggs

Crowd awaits election results in Loris Tuesday. (Jenn Causey, TLT)

By JENN CAUSEY

tribjenn@tabor-loris.com

     A runoff appears likely in the race for Mayor of Loris, with veteran councilman Michael Suggs trailing current Mayor pro tem by just one vote in the unofficial counting of Tuesday’s election.

     Harrelson claimed 182 votes, Suggs 181 in Tuesday’s voting. Veteran council member Joan Gause claimed 71 votes, political newcomer Jeannie Tyler Fox took 15.

     Results won’t be official until the canvas is held. That’s scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the Loris Public Safety Building.

     A runoff is not automatic, but the second place finisher may ask for one if the winner fails to secure 50 percent plus one vote of the total ballots cast.

     A runoff, if called for, will take place on June 11.

     For more on this story see Wednesday’s Tabor-Loris Tribune in print and online.