Run-off Needed for Chief Magistrate

Jasper County voters will need to return to the polls on July 26 to determine who will be Jasper County’s next Chief Magistrate. Angie Steele received 45.85 percent of the vote Tuesday, but not enough to prevent a run-off. Tim Lam was second with 32.78 percent of the vote, and Bobby Jacobs was eliminated with 21.25 percent of the vote.

That was the only locally contested county-wide race on the ballot. However, a Superior Court Judgeship also had a three way race, and it was won locally, and throughout the district without a run-off, by Amanda Petty. Mrs. Petty received 47.67 percent of the vote in Jasper County, followed by Dawn Baskin with 32.97 percent, and Christian Henry with 19.08 percent. District-wide, Mrs. Petty received 50.92 percent of the vote, followed by Mrs. Baskin with 32.62 percent of the vote, with Mr. Henry finishing with 16.46 percent of the vote across the district.

Only 1,630 or 22.87 percent of Jasper County’s active registered voters voted in this election, including absentee, early voting and election day voting. Voters cannot cross party lines for the run-off, but since the Chief Magistrate is non-partisan, anyone can vote in the run-off. Voters who did not vote in this election can still vote in the run-off. Early voting for the July 26 run-off will be July 5-22 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the basement of the Courthouse.

In the District 5 County Commission race, incumbent Doug Luke was challenged by Roger Harrison. Mr. Luke won with 51.98 percent of the vote, with the total being 105-97.

For the District 4 School Board race, Bill Schilling and Wesley Sparks were vying for the seat being vacated by Paul Kelly. Mr. Schilling won with 67-68 percent of the vote or 222-106.

Locally and statewide, incumbent Johnny Isakson won the Republican nomination for U.S. Senator. There was a close contest both locally and statewide for the Democratic nominee, with J. Barksdale coming out on top, narrowly defeating C. Copeland and two others.

Full local election results are available at the Courthouse or at the Secretary of State website which also has district and state results