BRANCHVILLE, S.C. (AP) -- The results of a town council election in South Carolina have been thrown out.
The Times and Democrat of Orangeburg reports Saturday that voters in Branchville must return to the polls in February.
The local election commission voted unanimously Friday to invalidate Branchville's Nov. 3 election and order a new one for all six town council members.
The commission found the town did not get pre-clearance from the U.S. Justice Department to change council members' terms from two years to four.
County election board director Howard Jackson says Branchville has submitted plans to the Justice Department for four-year, staggered terms.
The decision came after an unsuccessful candidate challenged the results.
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