Chapin, South Carolina, October 22, 2025
News Summary
Chapin, South Carolina, faces a unique situation as deceased Mayor Al Koon remains on the ballot for the upcoming municipal elections. His unexpected death hindered timely ballot updates, leading officials to notify voters that any votes cast for Koon will not be counted. Early voting is ongoing, while the community shows support for Koon’s family. In the event of Koon receiving the highest votes, the mayoral position will go to the first runner-up. The town grapples with the implications of this unusual electoral scenario.
Chapin, South Carolina, Voters Face Unique Situation as Deceased Mayor Al Koon Remains on Ballot for Upcoming Election
The town of Chapin, South Carolina, is facing a unique electoral situation as the recently deceased Mayor Al Koon remains on the ballot for the upcoming municipal elections scheduled for November 4. Koon passed away at Lexington Medical Center last week, merely two days after it was made public that he had entered hospice care.
Officials have confirmed that there was insufficient time to remove Koon’s name from the ballot due to the timing of his death relative to Election Day. To mitigate confusion, polling locations will display signs informing voters that any votes cast for Koon will not be counted. In the event Koon receives the highest number of votes, the mayoral position will default to the first runner-up amongst the remaining candidates, Ron Colley and Bill Mitchell.
Early voting for the municipal elections has commenced and will continue until October 31, excluding Saturdays and Sundays. In the lead-up to the election, residents and well-wishers have been encouraged to leave messages and letters of support for Koon’s family at Chapin Town Hall. Additionally, town employees plan to wear orange and purple in homage to Koon’s favorite sports team.
About Al Koon
Al Koon served as mayor after being elected in 2021 and had previously held a position on the town council. He was a retired engineer from SCE&G, with deep roots in the Chapin area, tracing his family lineage back eight generations. Koon had recently filed for re-election for a second term in the upcoming election.
Koon is survived by his wife, Susan, two sons, and four grandchildren. His funeral service is scheduled for October 21 at 11 a.m. at Mt. Horeb Lutheran Church, with interment at the church cemetery. A public viewing will take place on October 20 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., followed by a reception for friends later that same day from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Community Responses
Mayor Hazel Livingston of Lexington voiced her surprise at Koon’s passing, reflecting on his supportive nature towards other mayors in the community. Ron Colley, one of the candidates running for mayor in the upcoming election, also expressed his condolences and noted his astonishment at the suddenness of Koon’s illness while he continues his campaign.
The Lexington County Election and Voter Registration Office has confirmed that no request was made to remove Koon’s name from the ballot and that it is now too late for changes. Koon had been remembered by many as a man of deep faith, integrity, and a dedication to the advancement and well-being of Chapin.
Upcoming Election Details
- Date of Election: November 4
- Early Voting Ends: October 31
- Koon’s Funeral Service: October 21, 11 a.m.
- Public Viewing: October 20, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
- Reception for Friends: October 20, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened to Mayor Al Koon?
- Mayor Al Koon of Chapin, South Carolina, passed away last week at Lexington Medical Center.
- Why is Koon still on the ballot for the upcoming election?
- Officials stated there was not enough time to remove Koon’s name from the ballot due to the proximity of his passing to Election Day.
- What will happen to the mayoral position if Koon wins the election?
- If Koon were to win the election, the position of mayor would go to the first runner-up between candidates Ron Colley and Bill Mitchell.
- When does early voting end?
- Early voting for the municipal elections is currently open and will continue until October 31, with the exception of Saturdays and Sundays.
- What was Al Koon’s role before becoming mayor?
- Al Koon served as mayor after being elected in 2021 and was a member of the town council prior to that.
- When is Koon’s funeral service?
- Koon’s funeral service is scheduled for October 21 at 11 a.m. at Mt. Horeb Lutheran Church, with interment at the church cemetery.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Mayor Koon’s Death | Passed away at Lexington Medical Center |
| Election Date | November 4 |
| Early Voting Ends | October 31 |
| Funeral Service | October 21 at 11 a.m. at Mt. Horeb Lutheran Church |
| Public Viewing | October 20 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. |
| Reception for Friends | October 20 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. |
