S.C. Supreme Court to Decide Contested Atlantic Beach Election as New Council Member Takes Seat Amid Town Disputes

The South Carolina Supreme Court will determine if Carla Taylor, who won a seat on the Atlantic Beach Town Council in November 2023, will officially retain her position—a year after her election. The town’s Municipal Election Commission appealed a recent decision by Circuit Judge William Seals Jr., who ordered Taylor’s immediate installation on November 5.

Taylor, elected on November 7, 2023, and sworn in on April 5, has been blocked from fully participating in council activities due to an election protest filed by Shaun Swinson Sr., who finished fourth in the race. In a 2-1 decision on October 17, the Municipal Election Commission ruled Swinson’s protest was valid, despite the delay of 149 days past the legally required 48-hour window for filing election protests.

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In the appeal to the state’s highest court, the Municipal Election Commission argues that the Circuit Court exceeded its authority by allowing Taylor to take her council seat and failed to acknowledge the commission’s right to consider new evidence of potential voter fraud. The commission’s filing also contends that the court disregarded existing precedent on reviewing claims related to voter residency.

Taylor’s attorney, Rob Tyson, has stated that Taylor will remain committed to serving her community, despite the ongoing legal challenges. “Carla is a strong person, and she’s going to do a great job for that community,” Tyson said.

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Turmoil on the Council as Leadership Clashes Over Authority

On November 8, Taylor was formally recognized as a councilwoman. However, her presence on the council has already sparked controversy, as her inclusion could impact key decisions, such as a proposed high-rise condo project in Atlantic Beach.

Further discord unfolded after two recent council meetings—initially set for November 4 and rescheduled to November 6—were abruptly canceled by Town Manager Orton Bellamy. In response, Taylor and two other council members, John David and Edward Campbell, convened and voted to dismiss Bellamy and Town Attorney Dwayne Green, alleging “dereliction of duty” over the meeting cancellations. Taylor described the council’s situation as being “held hostage” by the town’s leadership.

However, Green questioned the legitimacy of the firing, citing contractual protections that require a 30-day notice for termination. He also argued that the appeal filed before Taylor’s official council duties could legally be exercised, meaning the council members’ decision to meet and fire him and Bellamy might lack quorum. “The acceptance of an appeal by a higher court usually acts as a stay to the order which has been appealed,” Green stated.

Mayor’s Race in Limbo

In addition to the council dispute, the town’s unresolved mayoral election adds another layer of complexity. Josephine Isom, a candidate in the race, has appealed to prevent a special election, arguing that a recount should confirm her as the rightful winner. The commission had previously invalidated the November 2023 results due to 13 challenged ballots, initially giving David a narrow lead.

Judge Seals reviewed Isom’s case in late October and announced he would take her appeal under advisement. No further orders have been filed, and the mayoral seat remains contested pending court action.

The Atlantic Beach community awaits the Supreme Court’s decision on these matters, which are expected to impact governance, key development decisions, and future electoral integrity.

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