Oakland Mayor's Race Leaves Many Scratching Their Heads

Oakland, Tn - Oakland voters came to the polls Tuesday to select the next mayor. Although, many said they were a bit disenfranchised.

The choice is between Theresa Kelley, Scott Ferguson, and former mayor Bill Mullins. Mullins was convicted on multiple corruption charges Friday. Although he has already cleaned out his office at city hall, he's still campaigning.

"The whole set of circumstances is very unusual and the fact is the law is not clear with how to deal with,” said Bart Regan with the Mullins Campaign.

The Oakland Charters says the conviction means Mullins cannot be mayor. But, state law said he had to be left on the ballot creating a sticky situation for the other candidates.

“I think the voters need to understand he is, based upon the conviction, is ineligible to serve," said Scott Ferguson.

A Mullins victory could mean the courts get involved, which could mean this election would be voided and a new one held. Or, the office could be ruled "vacated" and Vice Mayor John Evans would act as mayor for the rest of the term.

And, there's one more option with a Mullins victory. "If he appeals his conviction and wins, can he come back and be mayor. That's another issue that's going to have to be decided by the courts,” says Regan

In the end, Scott Ferguson was victorious with 1,125 votes, followed by Bill Mullins with 594, and Theresa Kelley with 127 votes.

With all the confusion, one voter took matters into her own hands, "I wrote my dog in.”