Mayor Miko Pickett released the following statement regarding the election date change for the City of Mullins:
"At the March 10, 2026 council meeting, I voted against the first reading of the proposed ordinance to move the City of Mullins municipal elections from November 2026 (even years) to April 2027 (odd years).
"I oppose this change for several reasons. First, our city has conducted elections in November of even-numbered years for at least 28 years, and any proposed change should align with what citizens know and trust, and not be politically motivated. Second, it would extend the terms of the Mayor and all City Council members by five months—effectively granting additional pay and benefits without voter approval. Third, holding elections in odd years would require more resources and place a greater financial burden on taxpayers. Finally, there are serious concerns regarding the paper trail of past ordinances, and I cannot support relying on a 2004 document that was never implemented—potentially due to compliance issues.
"I found support for this position from the SC Attorney General’s Office opinion in August 2, 2021, which concludes “Yet, this power is not unlimited as we have cautioned a municipality's use of this power must be reasonable and the change must be for a public purpose and not for the personal benefit of the council members and the mayor."
"I have also requested that the city council hold a public hearing on this ordinance which will be held on Tuesday, April 14, at 4:30 PM ahead of the required second reading.
"Our citizens have enjoyed the privilege of free and fair elections for decades. Which is the foundation of which our democracy was built upon. What the majority of council is proposing is changing the rules midgame with an election just months away.
"As the duly elected Mayor of the City of Mullins I want the people of Mullins to know this: these tactics will not stop me from serving you—not now, and not ever. I will continue to stand up for the citizens of Mullins and for the integrity of our democratic process."