Still plenty to decide in Surfside Beach elections as run-offs on the horizon

Election night for the Town of Surfside Beach proved to be a mere precursor to more voting drama.

The race for mayor and the filling of three town council seats will both go to a run-off, according to results obtained by The Sun News News Alliance partner WPDE.

In the mayoral race, Planning Commission chairman Bob Hellyer (416) votes narrowly edged former councilwoman Julie M. Samples (404), leaving a margin of error that will require a run-off, WPDE reports. Four people vying for three town council seats — Paul Holder (488 votes), Michael N. Drake (444), Zoning Board member Cindy Keating (443) and Kathryn Martin (tally unavailable) — were also within a margin of error that will require a run-off, according to WPDE.

Councilman David Pelligrino was the third mayoral candidate running.

Others vying for town council Tuesday night were: Jenn Cribb, Laverne Kreklau, Laurence McKeen and Planning Commission member Cody Sluder.

Anna Young

The Sun News

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Anna Young joined The Sun News in 2019 and has spent her time covering the Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach and Surfside Beach governments, while providing valuable insight to the community at large. Young, who got her start reporting local news in New York, has received accolades from both the New York State Press Association and the South Carolina Press Association. She is dedicated to the values of journalism by listening, learning, seeking out the truth and reporting it accurately. Young originates from Westchester County, New York and received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from SUNY Purchase College in 2016.