A West Jasper School District board member race was too close to call on election night. Only separated by three votes, Wade Hosey and Hope Stringer James went toe-to-toe in the election.
Both Hosey and James are first time runners for the West Jasper District 5 School Board position. Long-time District 5 board member Cindy McAlpin did not seek re-election for the upcoming term.
Tuesday night, Hosey took 50.14 percent (532 votes) to James’ 49.86 percent (529 votes). The final election outcome will likely be decided next Thursday, November 12.
According to Jasper County Circuit Clerk Billy Rayner, affidavits, no-photo affidavits, absentee
affidavits, and post-election absentee ballots still must be counted to determine the tight race. Those votes by law cannot be counted for one week following the election. With the Veterans Day holiday falling next Wednesday, a meeting of the Jasper County Election Commission on the school board race has been scheduled for next Thursday.
“The law says one week (following the election), which is Tuesday after 5 p.m., so the Election Commission would normally meet the following day (Wednesday). But, this time that falls on a holiday, so they will meet the following day on Thursday,” Rayner explained. “Election Commissioners will meet Thursday November 12 at 9 a.m. at the Bay Springs Courthouse to begin processing the regular affidavits, no-photo affidavits, absentee affidavits and post election absentees. The process is open to the public. I personally have spoken with both school board candidates and have explained the process and encouraged each to attend or have a representative there. I’ve also asked the Jasper County News to attend. I will deliver the sealed ballot boxes containing the ballots (the Circuit Clerk is the custodian of the record after the election) and will be present to assist the Election Commission during the entire process. I’ve asked the Election Commission to review and rule on the three precincts which involve the 5 West School District (Stringer, Moss and Bay Springs Beat 4). I personally don’t like having to wait a week, but it’s the law.”
Rayner went on to explain records involved in the election have been sealed and his custody, locked in the Circuit Clerk's office vault, per state law since being returned from the precincts on election night
“The most important part of this process is to ensure that the will of the people is honored,” he mentioned. “I want to make sure the process is followed. That's very important to me.”