Municipal elections in some Brunswick County cities could require a closer look

BRUNSWICK COUNTY (WWAY) — Even though election day is over, things might not be officially over in some cities in Brunswick County.

In Southport, Mayor Joe Pat Hatem retained his seat as mayor by just three votes over challenger Rich Alt, with a count of 833 to 830. With a race that close, votes might need to be recounted.

“If someone requests a recount, we convene the board, we essentially read every ballot that was cast in that contest through again. So, that would be absentee through mail, election day, early voting. We would pull all of those together and scan them in again,” said Sara LaVere, Brunswick County Board of Elections Director.

In the city of Northwest, unofficial results show the race for mayor receiving almost 75% via write in. Mayor James A. Knox was running for re-election, but received just over 25% of the vote.

LaVere explained that whoever has the most votes as a write-in candidate may not actually win.

“What that means is the number of write in votes for a candidate is enough to win the seat. We had several or we didn’t have enough candidates file for office, any eligible candidate. So, someone who’s registered to vote in jurisdiction, lives in the jurisdiction, if they get more than five votes we will release that name,” said LaVere.

LaVere said she hopes to be able to release some of the candidates name for the Mayor of Northwest on Thursday.