Huntington City Council upholds election results for candidates Arthur and Holly

The Huntington City Council made a significant decision during its special call meeting on December 16, 2024, regarding the eligibility of two city council candidates. The council voted to allow District 1 candidate Jason Arthur and District 9 candidate Stacy Joe Holly to remain on the ballot despite challenges to their candidacies based on late campaign finance report filings.

The motion to not disqualify the candidates was passed with a majority vote, affirming their eligibility to serve following their successful election in November. The council clarified that a yes vote on the motion indicated support for seating the candidates, which was crucial for maintaining the integrity of the election process.

During the meeting, it was revealed that both candidates had failed to file certain campaign finance reports by the deadlines set by the West Virginia Secretary of State. However, the assistant city clerk, Lisa Adkins, did not notify them of these delinquencies or take action to remove them from the ballot prior to the general election. Both candidates subsequently filed their overdue reports before the election results were certified.

The council's decision comes in response to election contest notices filed by unsuccessful candidates Sasha Chapman and Carl Eastham, who challenged the eligibility of Arthur and Holly, respectively. The council's findings emphasized that the candidates had complied with reporting requirements after the election, leading to the conclusion that they should not be disqualified.

This ruling underscores the importance of clear communication and adherence to election laws, as well as the council's commitment to uphold the electoral process. Moving forward, the council's decision allows for continuity in representation for the citizens of Huntington, ensuring that the elected officials can begin their terms without further legal challenges.