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Mullins holds optional public hearing on ordinance clarifying mayoral voting method
Summary
At a first-reading hearing April 14, Mullins City Council heard public comment on Ordinance #2026-005, which would clarify whether mayoral elections use a plurality or majority standard. City attorney explained the difference; the hearing closed with an adjournment motion and no recorded vote on the ordinance.
The Mullins City Council convened an optional public hearing April 14, 2026, at the Raymond Pridgen Auditorium to hear comment on the first reading of Ordinance #2026-005, which the city characterized as a clarification and correction to Section 02.08.100(b) of the city code concerning voting methods for local elections.
The matter prompted questions from multiple public commenters about whether the city uses a plurality rule (the candidate with the most votes wins) or a majority rule (more than 50 percent required), and about the timing of elections. Public commenter Aimee Brown raised concerns about the voting date and how the ordinance would apply to the mayor’s office. Edla Vaughn said she wanted to know why attendees were being limited in what they could speak about. Domonique Pickett asked for an explanation of the two methods.
Interim City Attorney James E. Bain explained, as recorded in the hearing, the difference between the two systems: plurality awards the office to the top vote-getter, while majority typically requires a candidate to receive more than half the votes and can trigger runoff procedures if triggered by the city’s code or ordinance. The record does not show any formal vote or decision on Ordinance #2026-005 during the hearing.
Marverne Page appeared on the sign-in list but is noted in the minutes as not living inside Mullins city limits. Terri Brigman and Tim Johnson were listed among registrants but were not present to speak.
Mayor Pro Tem Carolyn Wilson opened and closed the hearing. A motion to adjourn and close the hearing was made by Mayor Pro Tem Wilson and seconded; the minutes note the hearing was closed but do not record a roll-call or vote tally for the adjournment motion. No final action on Ordinance #2026-005 is recorded in the transcript provided.
The ordinance remains at first reading following the hearing; next steps would be further council consideration or scheduling for a subsequent meeting if council chooses to advance the measure.
