CLEVELAND, Ga.- All but one of the incumbents who had opposition in White County’s election process Tuesday were winners.
White County Sheriff Rick Kelley, the incumbent, handily beat challenger Robert Morin, with Kelley receiving 3,377 votes to Morin’s 522. Kelley said he was proud of the win.
“Voters have spoken, [I’m] very humbled to see the numbers,” Kelley said. “I’m honored and excited to serve the citizens for the next four years again as Sheriff and I’m excited for the future of the White County Sheriff’s Office.”
White County Commission Chairman’s race was won by incumbent Travis Turner, who received 2,649 votes to challenger Chris Dorsey’s 1,201. Turner said Tuesday night he is honored to be able to serve four more years, he commented.
“Truly honored that the citizens have given me the opportunity, and I appreciate the large support, the turnout, and the folks that voted for me,” Turner said. “I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. I hope the community is pleased with the direction that the county commission is going.”
In the District 1 County Commission race, Roy “Shan” Ash edged out incumbent Terry Goodger. Ash picked up 486 votes, with Goodger getting 438. Ash said he is looking forward to what’s ahead.
“I appreciate everybody’s support and I’m looking forward to working for the county,” said Ash.
In the District 4 race, incumbent commissioner Craig Bryant beat challenger Barry Vandiver, 602 votes to 531. Bryant thanked the voters for his win.
“I want to thank the good voters in District 4 for allowing me to serve one more time for four years. It’s been a real honor over the years to serve them, and I’ll continue doing the best job I can, as I always have,” Bryant said. “Once again, thanks for everyone who went out and cast their vote.”
All other candidates on the ballot had no challenger in the party primary, and each advances to the November General Election without opposition.
Unofficial returns show White Countians cast 4,354 ballots in the primary election. White County Elections Supervisor Amie Veater said although turnout was low, the process went well.
“It went well, really well; we always have hiccups; that’s just elections, but we were able to take all the challenges in stride, make adjustments, solve things, and move forward,” said Veater. “All the poll workers, I’m so proud of them—the managers—[they] worked so hard.”
