Boykin Deemed Eligibile to Run in Snellville City Council Race

Snellville Election Supervisor and City Clerk Melisa Arnold has concluded that city council candidate Alisa Boykin has been living in Snellville and is therefore eligible to run. 

Local resident Marilyn Swinney had submitted a complaint to the city in September alleging that Boykin had not been living in Snellville for 12 months, which is required for qualifying candidates. Boykin had qualified in August to run for Post 3 on the council against incumbent Mayor Pro Tem Tom Witts. 

A hearing was held Thursday (Oct. 3) in city hall so that Boykin and Swinney, along with their attorneys, could discuss the issue. After the hearing and deliberating, Arnold released a document with her findings.

"It is undisputed that Ms. Boykin has resided continuously at her sister's home in Snellville since she and her husband lost their family home to foreclosure in the late fall of 2011," Arnold said. "... Having lost the former family home to foreclosure, it would be impossible for the Boykins to return to that same home. Moreover, there is undisputed testimony from Ms. Boykin that she intends to continue residing with her sister indefinitely. Because the period of residency at 1888 Englewood Way clearly exceeds 12 months, the residency qualification has been met."

After the decision was announced, Boykin released the following statement: "I would like to thank all of my supporters for their unwavering support throughout this process. I was always confident that the truth would prevail. I look forward to returning my full focus to campaigning and working to serve the citizens of Snellville. " 

Click here for a recap of the hearing.