We are seeking support to help cover the legal expenses of Councilman and Mayor-Elect Lee Stiles following a post-election protest filed by current Morehead Mayor Jerry Jones.

After the provisional ballots were counted on Friday, November 7, 2025, more than 36 hours after Election Day, Mayor Jones filed a protest alleging unspecified “irregularities.” He now claims individuals told him they were denied the right to vote or denied provisional ballots, and that a poll worker contacted him with further allegations.

These claims were never raised on Election Day, were not supported by formal precinct complaints, and appeared after the results did not favor him.

The voters made their choice clear. Councilman Lee Stiles was elected by the people of Morehead to serve as their next mayor.

Mayor Jones’s last minute challenge is a direct attempt to cast doubt on the election and undermine the will of the voters who demanded change through the democratic process.

An evidentiary hearing has been scheduled for November 24, 2025, at 10 a.m. in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room at the County Courthouse. During this hearing, the Mayor’s attorneys from Raleigh will present their claims of alleged irregularities.

We respectfully ask for your support in helping Mayor-Elect Stiles defend the integrity of this election and protect the voice of Morehead’s citizens. Any contribution is sincerely appreciated as we fight against this effort to overturn the clear results of the people’s vote.

Thank you.