A visiting judge has thrown out the results of the May city council election in Hawkins and ordered a new vote.

Norma Oglesby challenged the results of the May 3 election in which she was defeated by Jacque Burns 77-65 for a two-year term on the Hawkins council.

Oglesby challenged the outcome based on voters not being required to sign in.

Judge Taylor B. Heaton ruled on Friday, Oct. 31 in 402nd District Court in Quitman that the seat held by Burns be vacated, and the position will appear on the ballot again on May 2, 2026, barring any appeals that could delay the final judgment.

The ruling stated that only 42 of the 146 votes cast met the requirements and that the remaining 104 be declared illegally counted.

The ruling states, “…This error constitutes irreparable harm to the integrity of the election process.”