WINNSBORO – With a total of only 32 votes cast, two unopposed candidates for Winnsboro Town Council are headed back to their seats for four more years.
Demetrius Chatman, who represents the District 3 seat on council will begin his second term, while Danny Miller, District 1, will be looking at his eighth term.
Voter turnout for the election was low with only 32 (a 2.80 percent turnout) of the 1,106 registered voters, Debby Stidham, Director of Fairfield County Voter Registration, said.
Chatman received 13 votes and two write-ins. Miller received 17 votes.
“I’m excited,” Chatman said after learning of his victory. “I just thank all the people who voted for me and who had the faith and trust to let me serve them.”
To celebrate, he said he was headed to church services at the United House of Peace where he is a member.
“I attend every Tuesday and Thursday evening,” Chatman said, “And I’m certainly going tonight.”
While it’s his first time to hold an elected office, Chatman said he is prepared.
“I’ve been going to the meetings and talking to people in my district about things they would like to see brought forward,” Chatman said. “I think knowing what my constituents want is the key.”
A native of Winnsboro, Chatman holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from South Carolina State University and an MBA from Webster University. He is also a graduate of Leadership Columbia.
“I love Winnsboro, and that’s why I got into the race, to make things happen,” Chatman said.
Chatman currently works at the University as a program manager for Title III, a federal grant program. A graduate of Fairfield Central High School, Chatman participated in band and student government.
Miller, who has served 28 years on the Town Council, says this will be his last term.
“I enjoy working with people and being their voice,” Miller said.
Growing up in the Zion Hill Section of Winnsboro, Miller said his family roots run deep in the town.
“I’m just happy to have been part of the team for all these years,” he said. “I’m looking forward to continuing my service to the community.”
32 people voted in 2 district elections. Citizens of Winnsboro, that is sad. But you were probably like me, I had no idea there was any election.