Council Votes Today on Mayor's Race Changes

Mount Pleasant Town Council votes today on a proposal that will change how future mayors are elected.

As it stands now, the candidate with the largest number of votes — regardless of how many candidates are on the ballot — takes the mayor's seat. In county, state and federal races, candidates must get 50 percent plus one vote to be declared the winner.

Councilmen seem poised to pass the new election rules during a special 9 a.m. meeting today. 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. Mayor Billy Swails has announced he will not seek re-election to a second term.