Filing starts May 1 for open Laurens council seat

The late Johnny Kelly, Laurens District 3 councilman, had served one year of his four year term. Photo by Judith Brown

Laurens, S.C. – Following the unexpected death last week of Laurens City Council member Johnny Kelly, the Board of Voter Registration and Elections of Laurens County director Lynne West has set the filing period and election date for a special election to fill the Laurens District 3 seat.

“Filing will open Friday, May 1, at noon,” West said. “It opens at noon that Friday, and will close at noon Monday, May 11. The filing fee is $50.”

The special election is scheduled for Tuesday, June 30.

To be eligible, the person has to be at least 18 years old and a resident of Laurens District 3, which includes areas surrounding East Main Street, Dagnall Circle, Laurens Mill, East Farley, Fleming Street, parts of Clemson Street area and up to Wattsville, said Laurens City Administrator Gary Coleman.

The City of Laurens representative district will be on voters’ respective registration cards.

“The district lines can be confusing,” said Coleman, “so anyone who isn’t sure can call Laurens City Hall or the Voter Registration and Election, and give their address and find out which district they are in.”

The Laurens City Hall number is 864-984-3933, and the Board of Voter Registration and Elections is 864-984-4431.

When the June 30 election is held, the only voting precincts will include those people within Laurens District 3 who vote at The Ridge, which is Laurens Precinct 3, and those who vote at Evening Light Church of God, which is Laurens Precinct 4.

Currently, there are 704 eligible voters within District 3 who can vote at The Ridge, and 71 registered voters within District 3 who can vote at the Evening Light Church of God, West said.