Greenwood mayoral candidate James Long faces a residency challenge, filed by his brother, John Long, on August 24. The challenge questions whether James Long meets candidacy requirements for the upcoming election, particularly concerning his home at 120 Elliott Street, which was destroyed by fire earlier this year.
The Greenwood County Board of Voter Registration and Elections discussed the potential residency issue during its regular meeting on Thursday. The board’s attorney, Chuck Watson, stated that additional research is necessary and that both sides of the challenge must receive 10 days’ notice. Watson confirmed that James Long will appear on the ballot regardless of the challenge outcome due to timing constraints, as the ballot is set to be finalized soon. He clarified that the board rules on voter registration, not candidate eligibility.
According to the challenge letter, James Long purchased the Elliott Street property on March 10 and stayed there briefly with his wife before the house was destroyed by fire on April 24. The remains of the house were demolished and the lot cleared on July 17. On August 3, Long and his wife signed a contract with Lee Builders to construct a new home on the property. The challenge asks the elections board to determine if Long’s stated intention to return to the property after construction is sufficient to meet Greenwood’s domicile requirements while he is living elsewhere temporarily.
John Long’s letter also noted that his brother had considered purchasing another home at 206 Sproles East, making an offer on July 1 but withdrawing it on July 27 due to unrepaired electrical issues identified during a home inspection. James Long has listed 120 Elliott Street as his address on his voter registration, driver’s license, and statement of intention of candidacy.
The South Carolina Election Commission has previously indicated that a municipal candidate’s voter registration address is the primary factor for initial qualification and that the absence of a dwelling at the registered address does not automatically disqualify a candidate. However, a voter’s registration can be challenged, with the county elections board responsible for hearing evidence and making a determination.
The elections board has tentatively scheduled a meeting for September 14 at 333 Main Street to address the issue. James Long has accused a local news outlet of biased coverage regarding his mayoral campaign and stated he would no longer participate in interviews with them, opting instead to communicate directly with Greenwood residents.
