Jackson Free Press

While today marks the beginning of LaRita Cooper-Stokes' term on the City Council, it might not mean the end of the election.

Joyce Jackson, Cooper-Stokes' opponent in Tuesday's runoff, has vowed to challenge the election results.

"I'm going to contest the entire election because it was too much fraud," Jackson said Thursday.

This morning Jackson said she would file the paperwork today, but declined further comment, citing the advice of her legal counsel.

Cooper-Stokes' swearing-in as Ward 3 councilwoman is today at 2 p.m. in City Hall. However, if the Circuit Court rules in favor of Jackson's challenge, Ward 3 could have another election.

JFP attempted to reach Cooper-Stokes at her home Thursday without success.

Cooper-Stokes, the wife of former Ward 3 Councilman Kenneth Stokes and a former candidate for Justice Court judge, defeated Jackson by 156 votes, double the 78-vote win reported in the unofficial numbers on the Hinds County website Tuesday night.

Kenneth Stokes vacated the Ward 3 seat when he was elected to the Hinds County Board of Supervisors last year. Stokes was not present at his scheduled swearing-in for the supervisor's seat on Dec. 29.

Previous Comments

ID

167195

Comment

That photo and caption says a lot, doesn't it?

Author

Tre

Date

2012-03-02T15:21:08-06:00

ID

167196

Comment

Think of the money they will save on campaign signs! Just keep recycling the same "Vote STOKES" signs regardless of the race!

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2012-03-05T12:13:51-06:00