ISLE OF PALMS — One vote sealed the deal for incumbent Phillip Pounds’ second term as mayor.

After 15 provisional votes were counted by the Charleston County Board of Elections on Nov. 20, Pounds had beaten challenger Scott Pierce, a city councilman, by a single vote.

The razor-thin margin—nearly half a percent— triggered an automatic recount . That recount confirmed Pounds’ victory in the closely-watched election .

“It's been a long process. I was just glad to get to get to some finality. I’m really proud of the IOP community for the turnout for the runoff,” Pounds said shortly after the recount was finished.

Pierce could not immediately be reached for comment on Nov. 20. The morning after the Nov. 18 runoff, he echoed the pride for community engagement. Voter turnout was nearly

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