A challenge to a newly elected Beaufort County Council member's residency will be heard Monday before local elections officials.

Forrest "Dan" Duryea, a petition candidate who lost his bid for the District 7 seat, filed the complaint Wednesday against winner Cynthia Bensch.

The county Board of Voter Registration and Elections will consider the challenge at a 1:30 p.m. hearing Monday. Both sides will be able to present arguments and vote on whether Bensch is a resident of District 7, which spans parts of Bluffton and Okatie.

The burden of proof is on Duryea, said Scott Marshall, county elections director. If the board decides against Bensch, a special election would be held, Marshall said.

- Staff reports