Man elected as circuit court judge for York and Union counties

William “Bill” McKinnon, a prosecutor from Rock Hill, was elected Wednesday by South Carolina legislators as a resident circuit court judge for York and Union counties. Mckinnon, 45, who also has experience as a civil lawyer, defeated Lisa Collins of Rock Hill, a prosecutor with the 6th Circuit Solicitor’s Office in Lancaster.

The vote was held by the 170 members of the S.C. General Assembly. Judges in South Carolina are elected by legislators, not by public vote. McKinnon will  replace Judge John C. Hayes III, who retired in December because South Carolina has mandatory retirement for judges at age 72.