Demorest Councilmen Donnie Bennett and John Popham both say they plan to hit the campaign trail before voters head back to the polls next month. The contested November 3 election that left the two incumbents separated by just one vote – but that, in error, allowed one voter to vote twice – has been replaced by a new election, to be held January 5, 2016.
The Demorest City Council met in regular session Tuesday night. After the meeting Popham told Now Habersham that the second election “is fine with me,” which is not surprising since he was one of the petitioners for a re-vote. Bennett – who claimed the one vote victory in November – said he has enjoyed serving on the Demorest council with Popham “for four years.” He said Popham’s years of prior service allowed him great “understanding” of the issues handled by the council.
Demorest Mayor Rick Austin and Popham both petitioned the court as registered voters to have the first election results thrown out and replaced by a re-vote. The petition was approved given that the voting error that occurred could have affected the outcome on the single vote margin.
Bennett and Popham are vying for one at large council seat. The other seat up for grabs this election cycle was handily won by former council member Florence Wikle. Her name will not appear on the January 5th ballot. Also absent from that ballot, a repeat of two liquor referendums defeated by Demorest voters on November 3rd.
