County discusses Onslow special election

On July 9, the City of Onslow held a special election, called by County Auditor Whitney Hein, to elected four at-large city council members; one to fill a vacancy with a term expiring Dec. 31, 2025; and three to fill vacancies with terms expiring Dec. 31, 2027.
Only one resident of Onslow, Michael Wiltsey, filed papers to appear on the ballot for one of the seats expiring in 2027.
During the July 16 Jones County Supervisors meeting, the board canvassed the results of the special election.
Onslow has 144 registered voters. A total of 84 votes were cast.
For the seat expiring in 2025, Mike Streeper received two write-in votes. Nine people each received one vote. There were zero over votes and 10 under votes.
"For that race, since there were no candidates on the ballot, Mike Streeper received two write-in votes," noted Hein.
For the three seats expiring in 2027, Wiltsey received 18 votes, Mike Streeper received 10 write-ins, and Mike Milsap received seven write-ins. Three people each received three votes; five people received two votes each, and three people each received one vote. There were zero over votes and six under votes.
"You might notice that Mike Streeper on two races," Hein pointed out. "So he is declared the winner in both races.
"What will happen is, these candidates were elected," continued Hein. "If they choose to take office, they have to file an oath with the city clerk within 10 days of today (July 16). Mike Streeper would also have to fill out an affidavit of candidacy to declare which race he wants to actually accept the seat for because he can't hold two seats on the city council. The other race, he has the option to do nothing or he can file a letter of resignation for that race with the city clerk. Depending on which option he chooses, depends on how it goes from there.
"If he doesn't do anything ad the council reaches a quorum, they could then publish to appoint someone," Hein said. "If he files a letter of resignation the city clerk, the winner would be the second highest vote getter."
In both races, the second highest vote getter is a three-way tie for second place. In that case, the board of supervisors would have to draw lots for who that second highest vote getter would be.
Hein said it basically comes down to Streeper to make a choice as to which council seat he plans to accept. Depending on his course of action, the rest of the candidates will be determined.
"The candidates will be sent paperwork today (July 16) to notify them that they won and what they need to do to proceed," offered Hein.
A post-election audit also took place on the vote for the three open council seats.
"The results came out exactly how they did on election night," Hein said.
There were no absentee ballots, no provisional ballots.
The supervisors certified the special election, approved the canvass, and acknowledged the post-election audit.