The votes are in and while federal and state get all the glory in general elections, there were some impactful decisions made on the local level as well around the region. White County turned out to the tune of 72% with 7,118 of a possible 9,848 registered voters taking part. Voter turnout elsewhere was even higher with Gallatin County reporting 81.82%, Hamilton County at just under 75%, more than 77% of Edwards County voters cast ballots, and 75% of Wayne County voters showed up in person, early, or by mail in.
In Gallatin County, by a 56% to 44% margin decided to no longer provide revenue to fund the University of Illinois Extension Unit 24 which consists of Saline, White, Hamilton, Pope, Hardin, and Gallatin counties. The question was a point of contention for months at county board meetings and the county was littered with signs in favor and opposing financial participation. We’re expecting to talk with University of Illinois Extension representatives to get an idea of what happens next there with no funding coming from Gallatin County residents. Also in Gallatin County, Shawneetown voters narrowly approved increasing the terms of office for each alderman, mayor, treasurer, and clerk from 2 to 4 years. It was a 233 to 209 margin according to unofficial results. Gallatin County voters also chose two members for the Gallatin County board. Incumbent Gary Vickyer won re-election and was the top vote getter with 1,479 tallies. He’ll be joined by fellow Republican Terry Schmitt will join him picking up 1,370 votes. Democrats including incumbent Lisa Coonse came up short. Coonse picked up 1,055 votes with Trenton Clifford trailing with 425 votes. Brittney Capeheart won re-election as Circuit Clerk besting Kody Turner by more than 1,000 votes.
There were no contested races in White County with Circuit Clerk Kelly Fulkerson, Coroner Chris Marsh, State’s Attorney Chris Neal, and County Board members Ken Usery and Cassie Pigg all running unopposed.
In Edwards County, the only contested local race was for Coroner and Mark Curtis easily defeated challenger Amanda Thompson 2,682 to 507.
Hamilton County voters chose county board members electing a pair of Republicans in John Mead and John Carrell. Mary Anne Hopfinger, a Democrat, fell short in a second bid for a seat on the board.
Wayne County voters had no local contested races.
