Write-ins for key roles in Hassell considered somewhat normal

MARTIN COUNTY, N.C. (WITN) - While there are some major races with several candidates, there’s one Martin County town where there’s no one on the ballot for some key roles.

Hassell voters are writing in their own choices for some key races, as no one is officially running for mayor or commissioners. This may seem unusual, but residents say it’s the norm here.

Hassell’s mayor and five commissioner seats are all up for re-election. But instead of having a multiple-choice ballot, voters are filling in the blank.

The town council did give residents a list of the current commissioners and mayor, but no one is officially running in the races.

In the past, Mayor Michele Sledge has had her name on the ballot. However, she said she didn’t have time to do so this year.

For onlookers and those n