Franklin County casts its votes in state primaries
Franklin Countians cast their votes May 24 in the state primaries as well as on the matter of an amendment to the state constitution, and some new and familiar faces will be taking on leadership roles locally and at the state level.
In Franklin County, of 19,236 registered voters, 5,282 ballots were cast in 25 of 26 precincts – the 26th being reserved for provisional votes – representing 27.46 percent of registered voters.
Franklin County’s incumbent Republican sheriff, Shannon Oliver, secured 4,054 votes, 83.38 percent, to challenger Joe Fike’s 808, 16.62 percent.
“Mainly, I just want to thank the voters and citizens for their trust and confidence,” said Oliver, who begins his fourth term in the role. “I’ll continue working hard for them, and I’ll continue to have an open-door policy. I’m glad to help in any way I possibly can.”
For Franklin County Board of Education place 2, Terry Welborn edged out Curtis Baker with 397 votes, 50.9 percent, to his 383, 49.1 percent.
For Franklin County Board of Education place 4, Carol Murphree secured 449 votes, 65.84 percent, to Heath McKee’s 233, 34.16 percent.
Murphree, a retired teacher, expressed her enthusiasm about getting to move forward. “I am so honored and thankful for the votes from the citizens of District 4,” said Murphree. “I am so blessed to be able to proceed to the general election in November.”
McKee offered Murphree his congratulations, adding, “I would just like to thank the folks that voted for me.”
Franklin County Commissioner Jason Miller, snagged 71.37 percent of the vote, or 3,118, to Lowell Moore’s 28.63 percent, 1,251, for the State Republican Executive Committee for Franklin County.
“I appreciate all the people that voted for me,” said Miller. “I don’t take their votes for granted. I’ll always do my best for Franklin County values in the state committee.”
On Statewide Amendment 1, Franklin County voted 67.12 percent in favor and 32.88 percent against The amendment paves the way for funding to improve state parks and historical sites..
In the governor’s race, Franklin County cast 2,673 votes for incumbent Republican Gov. Kay Ivey, 54.51 percent of the vote. Her closest opponent was Lindy Blanchard with 1,003 votes, 20.45 percent.
In the democratic primary for governor, 27.53 percent of Franklin County’s votes – 79 – went to Yolanda Rochelle Flowers, and 20.21 percent went to Arthur Kennedy.
The Associated Press reported a win for Ivey in the state Republican primary.
Katie Britt secured 2,615 votes – 54.59 percent of the Republican vote – for United States senator, and Mo Brooks received 1,048 votes, 21.88 percent. Britt and Brooks will face a runoff election June 21.
Will Boyd secured 178 of the Democratic votes for United States senator, Lanny Jackson received 100, and Dean Brandaun got 21.
In the Democratic primary for United States representative, Fourth Congressional District, Rick Neighbors secured 67.46 percent of Franklin County’s votes to Rhonda Gore’s 32.54 percent.
For the State Democratic Executive Committee for District No. 18, Rick Neighbors took 52.09 percent of the vote to Charles A. Dale’s took 47.91 percent.
In addition, Red Bay voted 408-373 against alcohol sales.
“I appreciate all the poll workers for what they did today,” said Probate Judge Barry Moore, “and the voters for coming out to vote and the probate staff. I also thank Bill Cheatham and Elaine Mitchell, who set the machines out.”
The primary runoff is set for June 21, and the general election is Nov. 8.
Unofficial results include absentee votes, but not provisional votes, which will be counted May 31, when the election will be certified.
