Four candidates are currently in the race for Henderson mayor following a decision from the local elections board to remove one name from the ballot and a second mayoral candidate faces a similar challenge to his residency.
Wallace Cheek was removed from the list of candidates, according to Vance County Elections Board Director Melody Vaughan. Vaughan told WIZS News Tuesday that mayoral candidate Greg Etheridge also faces a hearing on Aug. 22 at 4 p.m. to determine his residency and eligibility to run for mayor.
“Mr. Etheridge will have to prove his residency to the board,” Vaughan explained. “They will make their decision the day of the hearing.”
Cheek’s eligibility to run for mayor had been challenged, and a hearing was set to review the matter before the Aug. 1 elections board meeting. Vaughan said neither the challenger nor Cheek was present for that hearing, which was scheduled to take place at 4 p.m. before the board meeting.
As part of the process, Vaughan said three certified letters were sent to Cheek, and two that were delivered to the address within the city limits were returned as undeliverable.
Cheek was notified by certified mail of the board decision, along with information regarding the appeals process to the state board of elections. In addition, she said a letter also was hand delivered by the sheriff.
As part of the hearing process, Vaughan said she must hire a court reporter to be present, along with the county attorney, chairs of both parties. The hearing is open to the public.