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There are new developments on the troubled town of Gaston.  WACH FOX News has closely followed the small town's situation. The problems date back nearly two years when financial issues surfaced and residents can't get answers about where their tax money is going. SLED investigated past audits, the Mayor fired his police force then resigned himself. On Tuesday locals headed to the polls for a special election. They voted for a new mayor and several town council seats hoping to give their town a fresh start after months of chaos. Although it seems chaos follows the town. Some residents are protesting this weeks election.

Shortly after taking an oath to tell the truth, the Lexington County Voting Commission heard a heated argument why Tuesday's election shouldn't count. "It seems to me the election was tainted," says veteran councilman Donnie Dowd. He lost his seat by 8 votes. Now he's pointing the finger at some election officials and faulty voting machines. That's something Dowd's friend Buddy Miles says several residents have been complaining about.

"When machines not working you can be einstein and not know how to work it," says Miles. Election Commission Director Dean Creps says everything went smoothly.

After hearing Creps tell the commission his side, Dowd wants the process broken down even more. He says, "I'm ignorant but I know a little. Can't you make it simple, these are Gaston people."

Harsh words that folks who came to hear Fridays hearing didn't appreciate. Gaston Resident Mike Gantt says, "It was an embarrassment. A councilman under oath telling the commission that people in Gaston are ignorant and didn't know how to use a voting machine."

"It was a joke, i'm trying to be nice but that was embarrassing," says Councilman elect Kelly Delk.

Miles says, "He [Dowd] didn't mean any harm."

After hearing everyone's side, the commission unanimously certified Tuesday's election; meaning Dowd won't be serving a fourth term.

Dowd says he plans to appeal Friday's hearing results to a state board.