Residency challenge emerges in Kenly mayoral race after provisional ballots change outcome

KENLY, N.C. (WTVD) -- The Town of Kenly's mayoral election took a dramatic turn Friday as two provisional ballots flipped the outcome in favor of challenger and town council member Keith Davis. Now, a formal protest questions whether he still lives in town.

Incumbent Mayor H.L. "Tooie" Hales initially appeared to lose by eight votes on Election Night against Davis. This margin hinged on votes cast in a small portion of the town that falls inside the Wilson County line.

By Thursday, Wilson election officials found a computer uploading error, and it showed incumbent Hales as the winner by just one vote, 89-88. After provisional ballots were approved Friday, Davis regained a 90-89 edge.

A formal protest filed by David Grady of Kenly alleges Davis no longer resides in town and is ineligible to serve. He also claimed David lives primarily in South Carolina, where he serves as a pastor of Bethel AME Church in Georgetown, 200 miles away.

The Johnston County Board of Elections plans a discretionary recount Monday and will hold a preliminary hearing on the residency challenge. Under North Carolina law, the burden of proof lies with the protester. Davis declined to comment, citing the ongoing certification process.