Special Election Set for Taylor Mayoral Race

By Alyssa Schnugg
News editor
alyssa.schnugg@hottytoddy.com

Taylor Mayor James Hamilton has resigned after 18 years. A special election will be held on Dec. 17.
Photo from Facebook/Town of Taylor

The Taylor Board of Aldermen has set a date for a special election to elect a new mayor to fill the seat left open when longtime Mayor James Hamilton submitted a letter of resignation Tuesday.

Since Hamilton is an elected official and not an employee of the city, the board did not have to vote on whether to accept his resignation but the aldermen did unanimously acknowledge the request.

Hamilton has served as the mayor of Taylor for the last 18 years; however, he also served as mayor for three years in the 1980s, according to the city clerk’s office.

The reason Hamilton is stepping down with two years left of his term was unknown. He could not be reached for comment.

The special election will be held on Dec. 17, according to the city’s website.

Any resident of Taylor who wishes to run for mayor can obtain the qualifying forms from the Mississippi Secretary of State’s Office.

Partied candidates (Republican or Democrat) must pay a $10 registration fee. Independent candidates do not have to pay the fee but will have to gather at least 15 signatures from Taylor residents who are registered to vote. Other requirements are listed on the SoS’s website.

The qualifying deadline is Nov. 27. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. To 7 p.m. on Dec. 17 at Taylor City Hall.

Alderman Ellen Meacham said she was grateful for all that Hamilton has done for Taylor as mayor.

“I think it’s safe to say that we all wish he had chosen something other than resignation,” she said, “but Taylor has what we need in place for the town to continue just fine.”