As voters across the nation stood in line to cast their votes, Bibb Countians were also exercising their constitutional right.
Voters in Bibb County turned out at a 48.69% clip, far surpassing the numbers for the last mid-term election. The 2016 Presidential election, which featured Donald Trump versus Hillary Clinton saw turnout numbers nearing 67 percent. This time Voters were motivated by personal beliefs, particular amendments that were close to their hearts and a mindset that national politicians were an embarrassment and were putting our nation at risk.
“I know midterm elections have traditionally featured a lower voter turnout, I hope that our country, our state and our county are engaged and aware of how important it is to vote. I am hopeful that voter turnout will be higher than expected and I genuinely want every voter that is eligible to vote to exercise their right to do so,” said Bibb County Probate Judge Stephanie Kemmer before the returns were counted.
Several local races motivated voters to turn out. A total of 6,908 of 14,187 registered voters cast ballots. Of those cast 1,251 voted straight Democrat and 3,781 voted straight Republican. Republican straight ticket vote totaled 75.15 percent to 24.86 per cent for Democrats voting straight ticket. A total of 1,876 voters in Bibb County split their ballot.
In a local contested race for the District 5 Bibb County Board of Education incumbent Elaine Jones, a Democrat, garnered 504 votes to Republican Joe Mathis’ 310 votes.
Other local candidates unopposed in the General Election were confirmed and these included: District Judge Craig Cargile, Probate Judge Stephanie Kemmer, Circuit Clerk Kayla Cooner, Bibb County Commissioner District 2 Charles Caddell, District 4 James Kelly, Bibb County Sheriff Jody Wade, Superintendent of Education Duane McGee, and Bibb County Bd. of Ed. Dist. 2 Mike McMillan.
All four Constitutional Amendments passed with a majority of “Yes” votes in Bibb County. The vote for State Senate, District 14, which pitted incumbent Republican Cam Ward against Democrat Jerry McDonald. Ward garnered 5,295 votes to McDonald’s 1,558.
Also unopposed on this ballot, Republican State Rep. April Weaver, Dist. 48, received 4,369 votes.
Senator Cam Ward said, “I want to thank all of my friends and supporters in Bibb County for trusting me with their confidence and their votes. I will continue to do my best to represent my district in all that I do and look forward to a productive four years.”
Representative April Weaver gave this statement to The Bibb Voice: “I am very grateful for the support I have been given by my Bibb County friends and family and I look forward to serving another four years. It’s back to work for me tomorrow morning,” said Weaver.
Click here for Vote Tally Summary
