Editors Note: The results of the Nov. 3, 2015 election in the City of Demorest have been called into question due to the discovery of a voting error. A challenge to the results is expected to be filed. Now Habersham will keep you updated on the latest developments.
READ: Voting Error May Force New Election in Demorest
Wikle Wins, liquor loses in Demorest
Former Demorest City Councilwoman Florence Wikle made a political comeback Tuesday just one year after being ousted from the body she’s now been re-elected to serve.
Wikle received 31% of the vote in a four person race for two at large seats on the Demorest City Council. She claimed 117 votes, 26 more than her closest rival, incumbent Donnie Bennett. Bennett received 91 votes, besting fellow Demorest Council incumbent John Popham by one vote. Rebecca Shedd came in fourth with 79 votes.
Demorest voters said no to two liquor referendums on the ballot on Tuesday.
Incumbents keep seats in Baldwin
It was a good night for incumbents in Baldwin. Post 1 councilman Dustin Mealor and Post 2 councilman Theron Ayers both won their bids for re-election. Mealor defeated Ray Holcomb by a six vote margin. Ayers defeated Robert Bohannon by nine.
Baldwin voters approved all three Freeport Exemption questions on the ballot offering special tax incentives to businesses.
Here are a look at the election results with percentages and raw vote totals:
Baldwin
Council Member, Post 1
Dustin Mealor (I) 53%
(47 votes)
Ray Holcomb 47%
(41 votes)
Council Member, Post 2
Theron Ayers (I) 55%
(47 votes)
Robert Bohannon 44%
(38 votes)
Write-in votes 1%
(1 vote)
Council Member, Post 3
Joe Elam (I) unopposed 94%
(67 votes)
Write-In votes 6%
(4 votes)
Freeport Exemption
#1 YES 60% NO 40%
(51 to 34 votes)
#2 YES 64% NO 36%
(54 to 30 votes)
#3 YES 58% NO 42%
(48 to 35 votes)
Demorest
Council Member (2 at large seats)
Donnie Bennett (I) 24.14%
(91 votes)
John Popham (I) 23.87%
(90 votes)
Rebecca Shedd 21%
(79 votes)
Florence Wikle 31%
(117 votes)
Referendum Question for Liquor by the Drink
YES 48%
(96 votes)
NO 52%
(106 votes)
Referendum Question for Sunday Sales by the Drink
YES 45%
(94 votes)
NO 55%
(114 votes)
