Council Votes in Favor of Election Overhaul

Mount Pleasant Town Council voted unanimously Wednesday to change how future mayors are elected.

The current system calls for a simple plurality of votes for a candidate to take the mayor's office. That means no matter how large the field of candidates, the individual with the largest number of votes wins.

County, state and federal offices, by contrast, are awarded to candidates with 50 percent plus one vote. When a candidate fails to get a majority, there's a runoff.

That's the system Mount Pleasant leaders voted 6-0 to adopt on Wednesday. Mayor Billy Swails abstained from the vote, though he's already announced he will not seek a second term as mayor. Councilwoman Linda Page was absent.

New laws in Mount Pleasant require two readings and votes for full adoption. The council will vote on the measure again Aug. 13.

The council is rushing to adopt the new rules before qualification for the mayor's office opens on Aug. 15. The mayor's race and four council seats will be on the November 2013 ballot.