Viers resignation sets off electoral train-wreck in House District 68
Candidates running for Horry County's House District 68 could be facing four weeks of consecutive elections in June.
In talking with GOP officials in Horry County, we've been told the resignation of Rep. Thad Viers, who represented the seat since it was moved to Horry County in 2002, may set up a parallel special election contest which closely overlaps with this year's regular election calendar.
This means the special primary election would take place on Tuesday, June 5, one week before the regular primary for the full term. As run-offs would take place two weeks after the primaries, it's possible that four consecutive weeks of elections could be held to pick Republican nominees for the seat.
Even more confusing is the knowledge that the special election will take place in the old district, while the simultaneous regular election will take place using the new lines, meaning campaigns will have to focus on two sets of voters - even though House District 68 will see very few changes.
What's more is that the special election contest will fill the seat only AFTER the legislature has adjourned, meaning voters will be asked to vote for essentially nothing.
Even more confusing is the knowledge that the special election will take place in the old district, while the simultaneous regular election will take place using the new lines, meaning campaigns will have to focus on two sets of voters - even though House District 68 will see very few changes.
What's more is that the special election contest will fill the seat only AFTER the legislature has adjourned, meaning voters will be asked to vote for essentially nothing.
Confused yet? We are - and we're sure we won't be the only ones.
We feel sorry for the voters who will have to sort their way through this convoluted electoral process, as well as the candidates who will have to ask some voters to vote for them now, but not later, and others to vote for them later, but not now.
Given the large number of Republicans in Horry County, it's entirely possible that the kind of large multi-candidate fields which could force a run-off for the GOP nomination could occur. As one would have to file for both elections in order to win and keep the seat for the remainder of the current term as well as the next, Horry County could see an unprecedented mob of candidates.
We feel sorry for the voters who will have to sort their way through this convoluted electoral process, as well as the candidates who will have to ask some voters to vote for them now, but not later, and others to vote for them later, but not now.
Given the large number of Republicans in Horry County, it's entirely possible that the kind of large multi-candidate fields which could force a run-off for the GOP nomination could occur. As one would have to file for both elections in order to win and keep the seat for the remainder of the current term as well as the next, Horry County could see an unprecedented mob of candidates.
In addition to voters, candidates and election officials, the overlapping races could also create a confusion situation for campaign contributors and finance reporting.
Currently Horry election and Republican Party officials are looking at their options, but it's hard to see how they can get out of the legal requirements for this one.
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