Former Itta Bena Ward 1 Alderwoman Jo Ann Purnell’s election challenge against Jennifer Walker, who now represents that ward, has been set for a jury trial Nov. 15.
An order scheduling the trial was filed Thursday in the Leflore County Circuit Clerk’s Office. It also set the deadlines for discovery, or the exchange of information between parties about witnesses and evidence, expert designations, pretrial orders and pretrial conferences.
Special Circuit Judge Jeff Weill Sr. has been appointed to preside over the trial. Last year, Weill presided over an unsuccessful challenge filed by former Leflore County District 4 Supervisor Wayne Self over his loss to Eric Mitchell.
In the Ward 1 race during Itta Bena’s June 8 municipal elections, Purnell received 37 votes, or 33% of the ballots cast, compared to Walker’s 39 votes, or 34%.
Purnell, who is represented by Greenwood attorney James K. Littleton, filed a petition challenging the results June 28.
In her seven-page petition, Purnell alleges that Walker was not a qualified elector or voter of Ward 1 since she failed to change her registration from Ward 2 prior to the election. She alleges that Walker and William Proctor, who was listed as living with Walker, didn’t change their voter registration addresses from 100 Rainey Ave., in Ward 2, to 110 Jeffries St., in Ward 1, prior to the election and that the pair cast illegal affidavit ballots for Walker in Ward 1.
Purnell’s petition alleged that the city’s election commission failed to ensure Walker was qualified in Ward 1 before placing her name on the ballot.
Walker responded to Purnell’s petition, which was filed Monday, and either denied various claims made by Purnell or did not respond because there was a “lack of information to respond to plaintiff’s allegations.”
No attorney has been listed in the court records as representing Walker.
Weill has also been appointed to preside over the Itta Bena mayoral election challenge case involving Patricia Young and Reginald Freeman, though no trial date had been set as of Thursday.
Young finished second to Freeman in last month’s election, capturing 194 votes, or 43%, of the total to Freeman’s 199 voters, or 44%.
Young, who also filed her challenge June 28, is represented by Jackson attorney Samuel L. Begley.
In her 11-page petition, Young alleges various irregularities in the election, including a number of illegal affidavit, absentee and curbside ballots and poll managers not adhering to proper curbside voting procedures.
Greenville-based attorney Willie Griffin is representing Freeman.
No further action had been taken in the case as of Thursday, according to court records.
- Contact Gerard Edic at 581-7239 or gedic@gwcommonwealth.com.
