'It's pretty scrambled right now': Officials, residents discuss recent recall of Elton mayor

ELTON, La. (KLFY)-- In Elton, there's been an ongoing battle to recall mayor Kesia Lemoine, after allegations of voter fraud.

In Saturday's election, the town decided Lemoine will not be keeping her seat. This election was especially close, with less than 10 votes sealing Lemoine's fate.

These results came after a second recall petition was filed against Lemoine back in December.
This petition earned voters the right to recall Lemoine in the election after a district judge approved the recall in January. News 10 had a chance to speak with the mayor pro temp and a few residents on their reactions to the outcome.

"My thoughts on the results were a little bit shocking because we thought it was going to be a little bit more than eight ahead of her," Marilynn Granger, vice chairman of the petition, said.

A previous attempt to recall Lemoine began in May 2023, but it wasn't signed by at least 40 percent of registered voters, which is a requirement.

Granger said this was a win.

"We won, and it's a great feeling to know that the people, the citizens of Elton have spoken by voicing their votes," Granger said.

Roderick Williams, another resident, filed the first petition. He said while the election is over, he encourages everyone, whether they supported Lemoine or not, to let their voices be heard.

"We still encourage them to come to the monthly council meetings, voice your concerns, voice your opinions," Williams said. "This does not stop with mayor Lemoine's recall. We are to hold the political figures accountable."

Due to the recall of Lemoine, Mayor Pro Tem Tony Guillory will fill her seat. He said the town will need time to recuperate.

"It's pretty scrambled right now," Guillory said. "We just gonna have to take a step back, regroup."

Guillory said he plans to carry on the projects that Lemoine presented for the town, such as a sewer grant and road repairs. He said the community will need to work together to continue to provide the best for the town of Elton.

"I think her heart was in the right place while she was in office, and she was trying to take care of the town the best way she knew how I believe," Guillory said. "I just ask that my community, the council, and all the workers try to come together and communicate and really be transparent with everything so we can move forward and take care of our little community."

News 10 has reached out to Lemoine for comment, but have not received a response as of news time.

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