LONG CREEK – Ballots in the recall election of City Councilwoman Lavelle Holmes were due at 8 p.m. Sept. 13 at the County Clerk’s Office.

In a related matter, the legality of the appointment by the council of Dale Martin to mayor was questioned by the city attorney, and that opinion was in turn challenged by Martin.

Arguments in the case were expected to be heard by a judge Sept. 13 in Baker City, Martin said.

The case was moved out of the county because the sister of Grant County’s circuit court judge is married to the Long Creek city attorney.

A ruling was expected after the hearing. The case has bearing on a special mayoral election between Martin and Don Porter, scheduled for Sept. 20.

If the case goes Martin’s way, the vote will be delayed until November.