§ 7-5-315 - Counting votes for unopposed and deceased candidates.
7-5-315. Counting votes for unopposed and deceased candidates.
(a) The votes received by an unopposed candidate in any election held in this state shall not be counted or tabulated by the election officials. The word "UNOPPOSED" shall be sufficient to insert on the tally sheet to indicate that the candidate has received a majority of the votes cast in the election. However, the votes received by an unopposed candidate for the office of mayor or circuit clerk shall be counted and tabulated by the election officials.
(b) (1) The votes received by any person whose name appeared on the ballot and who withdrew or died after the certification of the ballot shall be counted.
(2) (A) If the person received enough votes to win the election, a vacancy in election shall be declared.
(B) (i) If the person received enough votes to qualify for a runoff, the person's name shall appear on the runoff ballot.
(ii) If enough votes are cast for the person to win the runoff, then a vacancy in election shall exist.