Mike Burns will be the only name on the ballot in a special election on March 12. No Democrat filed for District 17, in northern Greenville County.
Burns, who defeated Chris Sullivan in a Republican primary runoff, will be the only name on the ballot. No Democrat filed for District 17, in northern Greenville County.
If a write-in candidate receives more votes than Burns, the write-in would win the election.
Burns issued a statement Saturday that said, in part:
“Our government must operate according to law, and I respect the state Election Commission’s interpretation of state law that a general election for the House District 17 seat must be held March 12.
“I am disappointed, though, because this means the people of District 17 must go without a voice in Columbia for at least another month while very important legislation is being considered.
“As one example, since winning the Feb. 5 runoff I have been contacted by many citizens regarding a piece of legislation related to education. They want someone to speak for them. I would like to be their voice in Columbia right now. But, I cannot do that until after March 12.
“When I announced to the people of District 17 last November that I wanted to represent them in Columbia, I told them I wanted to take a ‘common sense’ approach to government. Spending money to hold an election with one name on the ballot does not pass the ‘common sense’ test.”