Election law change introduced

A senator from Richland County wants to change state law regarding local government elections.

Currently, state law requires local governments to fill a vacancy at the next regular election if the vacancy occurs within 180 days of that election.

Sen. John Scott, D-Richland, has proposed a bill that would require a vacancy be filled by a special election if the vacancy occurs within 60 days of the next regular election.

The proposed change is in response to the recent resignation of former Columbia City Councilman E.W. Cromartie, who stepped down on March 9 - 29 days before the city's next regular election.

Council members have set the election to replace him for April 6. That decision is being challenged in state court. A judge assigned to the case said he would try to make a decision today.

- Adam Beam

This story was originally published March 19, 2010 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Election law change introduced."