Atlantic Beach Requests SLED to Investigate Claims of Election Fraud
In a recent development, the town of Atlantic Beach, South Carolina has formally requested the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) to initiate an investigation into allegations of election fraud. The move came after a series of miscommunications led to public dismay and outrage, necessitating immediate clarification and action from town officials.
Demands for Investigation Amidst Reports of Fraudulent Voting
The town’s request to SLED was prompted by residents who voiced their concerns about uncounted votes during a press conference on Tuesday, September 3rd, 2024. Prior to this, Town Administrator Orton Bellamy had stated during an election commission meeting that a SLED inquiry was underway. However, SLED had denied initiating an investigation.
Town Administrator Issues Formal Statement
In response to the residents’ frustrations, Bellamy issued a statement clarifying the misunderstandings that occurred during the August meeting. He stated that a formal request for an investigation into illegal voting had been submitted to SLED.
Bellamy’s Full Statement
In the statement, Bellamy took full responsibility for the confusion and apologized to the community. He discussed his initial conversations with Horry County Solicitor Jimmy Richardson, mentioning his false belief was based on a misunderstanding that a SLED investigation was about to start. Bellamy admitted to incorrectly stating during the Election Commission meeting that an investigation by SLED had already commenced. He mentioned that an official request for the investigation only submitted on August 22, 2024, after he realized his error.
Uncertified Results And Pending Investigation
The November 2023 mayoral election results continue to remain uncertified due to the ongoing concerns about election irregularities. SLED has yet responded to the formal request for an investigation into the allegations of illegal voting. As the community awaits a response, Bellamy commits to ensuring that accurate information is shared with the community going forward. An update from SLED on the status of the investigation is yet to be received.
The town of Atlantic Beach, while regretting the confusion and misunderstanding, remains steadfast in its mission to resolve the issue and restore the residents’ faith in the local electoral process.
