COLUMBIA, S.C. - A Murrells Inlet man lost his appeal of the November election for an open coastal South Carolina House seat.

Richard Withington had appealed his Nov. 2 loss to Rep. Nelson Hardwick, R-Surfside Beach, by a 2-to-1 margin. Withington, a Democrat, complained about the layout of the ballot that was used to determine that race.

In Horry County, candidates are listed on the ballot by party from left to right. This year the Democrats were on the far right while the Republicans were on the far left. Withington argued that gave Hardwick an unfair advantage. The parties rotate ballot positions every election.

"We can't hold people's hands when they go in to vote," said Rep. Scott Talley, R-Moore and the subcommittee's chairman.

The House Judiciary subcommittee's three Republicans and two Democrats voted unanimously to recommend the House dismiss his Withington's complaint. That decision now moves to the full Judiciary Committee and later to the House for final approval.