Smithville mayor’s race hinges on two provisional ballots

ALBANY — The City of Smithville will have to wait until Friday to find out if it has a new mayor when Lee County Elections officials determine the validity of two provisional ballots.

After Tuesday’s election, challenger Jack Smith had garnered 91 votes while incumbent Jeffry Myrick had 48 and challenger Vincent Cutts had 43. Smith held 50 percent of the vote, one vote shy of avoiding a runoff with Myrick.

If the two provisional ballots are validated Smith could become Smithville’s new mayor if he receives both votes. If one or both votes go to Cutts or Myrick, a runoff will be required.. If the provisional ballots are invalidated then Smith and Myrick will have a runoff.

There was one other seat decided in Smithville. James Champion held onto his Ward 1 city commission seat 27-24 over challenger Charlene Usry.

In Arlington, three city council seats were up for grabs.

Incumbent Tyron George retained his Post 1 seat 274-216 over Raymond Williams; incumbent Jerome Brackins held onto his Post 2 seat 292-191 over Eunice Rivera-Miranda; and L.C. Williams received 250 votes to win the Post 3 seat over John Hatcher (150) and Tami Fletcher (91).

In Sylvester, liquor by the drink passed 319-158. In the city council Ward 1 race, incumbent Melvin Powell held onto his seat 151-146 over challenger Cheryl Smith.