By Beth Christian Broschart
The Parsons Advocate
PARSONS – Tucker County Clerk Sherry Simmons completed the canvass of the General Election and on Wednesday she and Tucker County Commissioners met to sign off on the official results. Simmons said the election went very smooth and hit no snags.
“The poll workers did an excellent job,” Simmons said. “It takes an army.”
Tucker County Commission President Lowell Moore thanked Simmons and her crew for an excellent job during their last meeting.
“It went very smooth and we want to thank you,” Moore said. “During early election, 1,209 cast their votes and a total of 3,585 Tucker County residents total voted during the election. That is a voter turnout of 63.77 percent.”
Simmons said that was a good percentage of the voters exercising their right to vote.
“I had four young ladies, high school students helping that night – Carly Bolyard, Abigail Long, Natalie Evans and Karsyn White – and they were outstanding,” Simmons said. “I could not ask for better help that night than what we had from our maintenance department.”
Simmons said she had 55 poll workers.
“Across the state, counties struggle to get poll workers,” Simmons said. “I have never struggled. I have an ongoing list of alternates. I incorporated two college students as poll workers and they loved it. I feel I am blessed to have that many people concerned about our elections.”
Simmons said the equipment is packed away and plans are being made for the next election in a year and a half.
“I want to thank the Commission. They do an incredible job. I love working with them. They are here on election night and they support me. I just appreciate them,” Simmons said. “My staff is totally incredible and they do a great job. They are happy and people love to come and vote early.”
Simmons said the 63.77 percent voter turnout is one of the highest in Tucker County and said the 1,209 early votes is the most early voters ever. Nearly 64 percent of the registered voters in Tucker County came out to vote. There are 5,622 registered voters and 3,585 voters cast their ballots.
Official counts for president are Donald J. Trump, Republican, 2,565; Hillary Clinton, Democrat, 751, Gary Johnson, Libertarian, 103; Jill Stein, Mountain Party, 46; Darrell L. Castle, Constitution Party, 10; and write-ins, 26.
For U.S. House of Representatives 1st Congressional District David B. McKinley, Republican, 2,245; Mike Manypenny, Democrat, 1,105; write-ins, 4. McKinley was the state winner.
For Governor, Bill Cole, Republican, 1,609; Jim Justice, Democrat, 1,481; David Moran, Libertarian, 156; Charlotte Jean Pritt, Mountain Party, 185; and Phil Hudok, Constitution Party, 47. Jim Justice was the overall winner.
For Secretary of State, Mac Warner, Republican, 1,743; Natalie Tennant, Democrat, 1,455; and John S. Buckley, Libertarian, 178. Mac Warner was the overall winner.
For Auditor John ‘JB’ McCuskey, Republican, 1,974; Mary Ann Claytor, Democrat, 1,109; and Brenton Ricketts, Libertarian, 197. John ‘JB’ McCuskey was the overall winner.
For Treasurer, Ann Urling, Republican, 1,298; John D. Perdue, Democrat, 1,742; and Michael Allen Young, Libertarian, 179. Perdue was the overall winner.
Commissioner of Agriculture, Kent Leonardt, Republican, 1,279; Walt Helmick, Democrat, 1,785; Buddy A. Guthrie, Libertarian, 244. Leonardt was the overall winner.
Attorney General, Patrick Morrisey, Republican, 1,741; Doug Reynolds, Democrat, 1,319; Karl Kolenich, Libertarian, 197; and Michael Sharley, Mountain Party, 98. Morrisey was the overall winner.
State Senator 14th District, Randy E. Smith, Republican, 2,188; Bob Williams, Democrat, 1,129; and Matthew Persinger, Libertarian, 81. Smith was the overall winner.
House of Delegates, 47th District, Danny Wagner, Republican, 695; and Ken Auvil, Democrat, 507. This district covers Tucker and Barbour counties. Wagner was the overall winner.
House of Delegates, 53rd District, Tony J. Lewis, Republican, 846; and Al Tomson, Democrat, 1,272. This district covers Tucker and Preston counties. Lewis was the overall winner.
Circuit Clerk, Sharon Moats, Democrat, 3,051. Moats ran unopposed in the general election.
County Commissioner, Lowell Moore, Republican, 2,154; and Roxanne D. Tuesing, Democrat, 1,307. Moore was the winner.
County Clerk, Sherry Simmons, Republican, 3,007. Simmons ran unopposed.
Prosecuting Attorney Ray LaMora, Republican, 2,786. LaMora ran unopposed.
Sheriff Brian Wilfong, Democrat, 3,074. Wilfong ran unopposed.
Assessor, James ‘Chris’ Michael, Republican, 1,738; and Greg Stevens, Democrat, 1,665. Michael was the winner.
No candidates filed for the office of surveyor.
The Brunch Bill Option was passed. There were 1,544 votes in favor of the option and 1,438 opposed to the option.