A candidate running for reelection for a local town council seat is also asking voters to write in his name for mayor on the November 7th ballot.
Selma Town Councilman William Overby is running for his second term on the town council. Overby confirmed Monday he is not only asking residents to vote for him for in the town council race but to also write-in his name for mayor.
“I’ve gone door to door and spoken to hundreds of people asking them to consider writing in my name for the mayor’s race,” Overby said. “Many I’ve spoken with are not happy with the (mayoral) candidates. They still have the opportunity to vote for me by writing in my name.”
Johnston County Elections Board Director Leigh Anne Price told WTSB News there is nothing in state statute that would prohibit a municipal candidate from appearing on the ballot for one office and seeking write-in votes for another. However, if the candidate were to be elected to both offices, they would have to pick one office. The other would be declared vacant, Price said, to be filled under the usual process.
Initially, Overby filed for the mayor’s seat in Selma this summer but withdrew his name after fellow councilman Tommy Holmes also filed for mayor. Timmy Strickland filed for mayor but withdrew citing health reasons. Strickland’s name is still on the ballot because he withdrew too late. Mayor Cheryl Oliver is seeking reelection.
In addition to Overby, 4 other candidates are seeking two vacant town council seats: Eric Jackson, Jackie Lacy, John Radford and Ann Williams.
