Columbus Town Council member Scott Hamby has withdrawn from seeking election this year.

Hamby withdrew his name on Monday, Aug. 17, although his name will still appear on the ballot, according to the Polk County Board of Elections.

In order to officially withdraw from a race and the name not appear on the ballot, a candidate must withdraw prior to the close of business on the third business day prior to the filing deadline, according to N.C. General Statute 163-294.2(d).

In addition, according to general statute 163-106(e), “Any person who has filed notice of candidacy for an office shall have the right to withdraw it at any time prior to the close of business on the third business day prior to the date on which the right to file for that office expires under the terms of subsection (c) of this section. If a candidate does not withdraw before the deadline, except as provided in G.S. 163-112 (statute that pertains to candidate deaths), his name shall be printed on the primary ballot, any votes for him shall be counted, and he shall not be refunded his filing fee.”

Hamby is a current Columbus Town Councilman after being appointed to serve the remaining term of former councilman Ricky McCallister, who resigned after moving out of the town.

Filing for this year’s municipal election ended on July 17. There were five candidates who filed for three open seats on Columbus Town Council, including Hamby. Incumbents Richard Hall and Margaret Metcalf both filed with Mark Phillips and Emily J. Gage running as challengers. Now four candidates will vie for three open seats.

Columbus Mayor Eric McIntyre is running unopposed this year.

The City of Saluda and Town of Tryon will also see races this year.

This year’s election will be on Tuesday, Nov. 3. The deadline to register to vote is Oct. 9. Early voting will begin this year on Oct. 22 and end on Oct. 31.