Pass Christian Ward 1 Alderwoman withdraws from upcoming election

PASS CHRISTIAN, Miss. (WXXV)- The City of Pass Christian announced on Facebook Monday that an incumbent member of the Board of Alderman has withdrawn from the upcoming General Election.

On April 21, 2025, Betty Sparkman provided written notice to the city clerk and election commission that she is withdrawing as an independent candidate for the position of Alderman of Ward 1 for the upcoming general election to be held on June 3, 2025.

After researching the matter, the City Attorney advised that the withdrawal was untimely and legally ineffective because the absentee and regular ballots had already been printed before her notice was received by the city clerk.

Based upon these circumstances, the city is required to use the ballots as they have been printed, which include the names of Barry Dreyfus and Betty Sparkman.

Under the law the election commission is required to count all ballots cast for this race to declare a winner.

With the permission of  Sparkman, the election commission is notifying the voters of Ward 1 that she does not intend to serve as Alderman for Ward 1 in the new term of office even if she is elected with the majority of votes in the general election.