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Write-in votes deliver city seat for Campbell

Cassandra Campbell

Cassandra Campbell mounted a successful write-in campaign to win the District 3 seat on Laurens City Council in a special election Tuesday.

Campbell defeated David Turner by three votes – 39-36 – to take the seat left vacant due to the death of Councilman Johnny Kelly.

“It has been a mixture of excitement, anticipation and a day filled with encouraging people to make sure they were exercising their rights here in these precious United States,” Campbell said.

Campbell will serve the remainder of Kelly’s first term in office. Kelly, who died in April, served just over 13 months of a four-year term.

Despite missing the registration deadline after deciding to run about three weeks ago, Campbell said she was confident she could be successful as a write-in candidate.

“I was confident that this was a mission that was given to me,” she said. “I just trust that people were also feeling a responsibility that we have in our community to come together to make our district better and to make Laurens better as a whole.”

“I truly give God almighty the honor,” she continued. “All honor and glory goes to Him.”

Turner congratulated Campbell on the victory.

“I came up short this time, but I think District 3 can be proud of whoever they sent,” Turner said.

Seventy-five of the 786 registered voters in District 3 – 9.5% – cast their ballots in the special election

“It’s hard when you’ve got a district that big with over 700 people who can vote and then all the votes totaled 75 ,” Turner said. “The main thing to stress in the district is that you need to get out and support whoever your candidate is, no matter who you’re voting for.”

Campbell will be sworn into office after the election is certified by the state election commission and following a waiting period to allow a possible contest of the election results.

4 Comments

  1. Ralphine Pughsley on June 30, 2020 at 11:43 pm

    I am so proud of you Cassandra, my niece. Your grandfather, Dr. Ralph Pughsley (deseased), and your grandmother, Irene Foggie Pughsley (her hometown), are very proud of you as well!
    We know that you will do a wonderful job for the city.

    Ralphine Pughsley.

  2. Virginia Pughsley Wiggins on July 3, 2020 at 3:16 am

    Congratulations Cassandra!
    I think about Pete taking his family to Laurens and you were not very happy about that decision. Only God knew what He had in store for you in Laurens. I also thought of your mom, dad, grandpa, grandma, siblings, children, aunts, other family and friends. How they would have and how we watch you step out in faith and live your life with character and integrity. May your ultimate goal in life be to glorify and honor God in all your endeavors. May God use you mightily.
    With love your aunt Virginia.

    • Linda Whitmore Kelly on July 4, 2020 at 9:57 am

      Congratulations Cassandra, I’m so happy that you had the Victory in this Election, You walked, knocked on doors, encouraged, telephone calls, much Prayer, By Faith, it brought you this far and it will carry you through your 3 years of your Term. And District 3 will be behind you all the way, Praying in Jesus Name. 🙏🏽❤️💕✝️

  3. Wileen Stokes on July 4, 2020 at 12:13 am

    Congratulations! I’m not surprised you were chosen for such a time as this! I’m proud to know a woman of great character and integrity and know you will do an exemplary job as Laurens Counselwoman!

    Wileen Stokes

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