By Billy Davis

A deadline hit Monday at 5 p.m. for Panola Sheriff Otis Griffin to contest the outcome of the Nov. 8 General Election.

A reporter was present when the circuit clerk’s office closed without a court filing from the sheriff, though Circuit Clerk Joe Reid was in possession of a letter from Griffin.

The letter, which was addressed to the county election commission, seemed to allege problems with the General Election. But it  did not appear to be a court document.

Reid said he was not at liberty to reveal the contest of the letter, since it was addressed to the election commission.

Ronald McMinn, who chairs the election commission, was unavailable at press time for comment.

Mississippi election law gives a losing candidate 20 days from an election  to contest its outcome.

Griffin canvassed ballot boxes from all 24 voting precincts for two days after he lost by 135 votes to retired state trooper Dennis Darby.

Griffin was assisted by Clarksdale attorney Bill Luckett, who told The Panolian at noon Monday his client was undecided over what to do.

Darby was assisted by attorney William Bown of Iuka, who has told The Panolian that his own canvassing has shown few problems with the election three weeks ago.

Bowen also canvassed ballots  boxes with help from Dee Ruhl of Como.

Canvassing includes examination of absentee ballots and affidavit ballots that are kept in sealed ballot boxes under supervision of the Panola County circuit clerk.