Editor’s Note: This article has been updated to reflect a recount on Nov. 5 in the Spruce Pine mayor’s race. It was previously updated to reflect how various counties are handling close or disputed election results in several Western North Carolina municipalities. The outcome of several races that remained undecided on election night have now been determined as a breakdown of the write-in votes becomes known. In other cases, the procedures for determining the outcome have become clear. Look for “About this race” notes under the vote totals in these contests.
North Carolina villages, towns and cities conducted elections for municipal offices on Tuesday, Nov. 3. The results below are unofficial results from Election Day. Results must be canvassed on Nov. 10 to resolve issues with challenges, absentee ballots, recount requests and any irregularities.
And irregularities there are. Several races across the region appear to close to call with election-night results that could trigger automatic recounts if requested by a candidate who finishes just out of the running. Some races could also get closer when provisional ballots are counted, potentially shifting the outcome. In a few cases, races will be decided when write-in votes are tabulated.
In Spruce Pine, there was initially a tie for mayor, though that broken for now by a recount Thursday that turned up two additional votes and gave Darla Phillips Harding a slight edge. In Rutherford County, no one filed to run or bothered to vote for three seats on the Cliffside Special Sanitary District Commission, leaving it up to the county commissioners to appoint people to this board. Much was decided on Election Day. But the results won’t be known in a few races for a while.
Several WNC communities also decided on the future of local alcohol sales in referendums, all of which resulted in landslides for increased sales.
Results were updated here as they became available, but vote totals are now in for all precincts. The 18 Western North Carolina counties that Carolina Public Press covers are listed alphabetically, with each municipality and candidate named (except for unofficial write-in candidates, some of whom won), as well as referendums and special district commission elections. The list is searchable using your browser’s “find” function, so you can search for places or candidates that interest you.
An asterisk (*) denotes an apparent winner or winning outcome in a race. Notes are included on special situations or newsworthy developments in specific contests.
Avery County
Banner Elk Mayor, 1 of 1 precincts reporting
*Brenda Lyerly 33, 97.06%
Write-in 1, 2.94%
Banner Elk Council Member (3 seats)
*Allen Bolick 27, 31.76%
*David Lecka 28, 32.94%
*Charles Banner VonCannon Jr. 27, 31.76%
Write-in 3, 3.53%
Beech Mountain Town Council (3 seats), 1 of 1 precinct reporting
(Totals with Watauga County votes included in parenthesis)
Tony Ananea 0, 0% (58, 10.84%)
*Renee Castiglione 16, 32% (132, 24.67%)
Fred France 5, 10% (56, 10.47%)
Cindy Keller 0, 0% (16, 2.99%)
Carl Marquardt 7, 14% (67, 12.52%)
Dottie Moretz 0, 0% (11, 2.06%)
Rick Owen 9, 18% (72, 13.46%)
*Wendel L. Sauer 13, 26% (121, 22.62%)
Write-in 0, 0% (2, 0.37%)
About this race: Because of the close finish between the 3rd and 4th vote recipients, a final tally will be needed when the Avery and Watauga County Boards of Election each canvas the results on Tuesday, Nov. 10. It’s possible that the positions of these candidates could change. An automatic recount could also be triggered, if requested by the candidate who finishes 4th after that final tally. Avery County Deputy Director of Elections Caleb Hogan told CPP on Wednesday, Nov. 4, that the two county boards have not yet discussed the combined results. He also said that Avery County has a provisional ballot that may need to be added to the total for Beech Mountain.
Crossnore Mayor, 1 of 1 precincts reporting
*Tudor Vance 40, 90.91%
Write-in 4, 9.09%
Crossnore Alderman (3 seats), 1 of 1 precincts reporting
Dale Henson 23, 20%
*Hannah (Ginny) Smith 30, 26.09%
*Eddie Yarber 36, 31.3%
Dan Vance (Write-in) 24, 20.87%
Write-in (0ther) 2, 1.74%
About this race: Because Dale Henson and write-in candidate Dan Vance finished so close, the possibility of a change in the result remains when the Avery Board of Elections canvasses this election on Tuesday, Nov. 10. There is also the possibility of an automatic recount to determine the third seat. Avery County Deputy Director of Elections Caleb Hogan spoke with CPP on Wednesday, Nov. 4, and said there are no provisional ballots in this race.
Elk Park Mayor, 1 of 1 precincts reporting
*John Boone 37, 94.87%
Write-in 2, 5.13%
Elk Park Council (5 seats), 1 of 1 precincts reporting
Brad Benfield 20, 10.58%
Daniel Boone 29, 15.34%
Tony Eller 24, 12.7%
Cory Hughes 10, 5.29%
Tommy Norman 26, 13.76%
Neil Reece 12, 6.35%
Michael Smith 22, 11.64%
Joel Whitley 28, 14.81%
Mike Whittington 18, 9.52%
Write-in 0, 0%
About this race: Because the candidates are separated by such a narrow margin, the Avery Board of Elections will need to finish canvas this election on Tuesday, Nov. 10, and determine a final tally. There is also the possibility that this could trigger an automatic recount if requested by the candidates who finished sufficiently close to 5th place without being able to claim a seat in the final tally. Avery County Deputy Director of Elections Caleb Hogan told CPP that there are two provisional ballots in this race that could affect the outcome.
Grandfather Mayor, 1 of 1 precinct reporting
*Robert V. Donovan 13, 100%
Write-in 0, 0%
Grandfather Council (2 seats), 1 of 1 precinct reporting
*Charles (Chick) Fuller 14, 50%
*Richard C. Norman 14, 50%
Write-in 0, 0%
Newland Council (3 seats), 2 of 2 precincts reported
*Dave Calvert (write-in) 126, 15.69%
*Kenny Caraway 183, 22.79%
Stanley Hollifield 52, 6.48%
*Donetta K. McKinney 196, 24.41%
Susie Potter 84, 10.46%
Josh Stapleton 79, 9.84%
Casey Turbyfill 75, 9.34%
Write-in (other) 8, 1%
Newland Malt Beverage Referendum, 1 of 1 precincts reporting
*For 235, 71.65%
Against 93, 28.35%
Newland Unfortified Wine Referendum, 1 of 1 precincts reporting
*For 233, 71.91%
Against 91, 28.09%
Seven Devils Council (3 seats), 1 of 1 precincts reporting
(Totals with Watauga County results in parenthesis)
*David A. Ehmig 7, 33.33% (39, 31.71%)
*Larry Fontaine 8, 38.1% (41, 33.33%)
*Brad Lambert 2, 9.52% (33, 26.83%)
Michael Potter 3, 14.29% (9, 7.32%)
Write-in 1, 4.76% (1, 0.81%)
Sugar Mountain Mayor, 1 of 1 precincts reporting
*Dennis M. Lacey 51, 89.47%
Write-in 6, 10.53%
Sugar Mountain Council (2 seats), 1 of 1 precincts reporting
*Norris V. Clifton 51, 43.97%
*Gunther Jochl 54, 46.55%
Write-in 11, 9.48%
Buncombe County
Asheville Council (3 seats), 40 of 40 precincts reporting
*Brian Haynes 6246, 18.08%
Marc Hunt 5165, 14.95%
Rich Lee 5358, 15.51%
*Julie Mayfield 6097, 17.65%
Lindsey Simerly 4750, 13.75%
*Keith Young 6295, 18.22%
Write-in 634, 1.84%
Biltmore Forest Mayor, 1 of 1 precincts reporting
*George F. Goosmann III 308, 85.32%
James (Jim) Taylor 52, 14.4%
Write-in 1, 0.28%
Biltmore Forest Commissioner (3 seats), 1 of 1 precincts reporting
*Fran G. Cogburn 343, 34.06%
*E. Glenn Kelly 324, 32.17%
*Doris P. Loomis 335, 33.27%
Write-in 5, 0.5%
Black Mountain Alderman (3 seats), 5 of 5 precincts reporting
Rachel Halbert Allen 271, 9.93%
*Don Collins 858, 31.43%
*Larry B. Harris 757, 27.73%
*Margaret (Maggie) Tuttle 821, 30.07%
Write-in 23, 0.84%
Montreat Mayor, 1 of 1 precincts reporting
*Tim Helms 273, 92.23%
Write-in 23, 7.77%
Montreat Commissioner (2 seats), 1 of 1 precincts reporting
Martha Dimmock Campbell 87, 14.75%
*Katheryn (Kitty) Fouche 250, 42.37%
*Bill Gilliland 250, 42.37%
Write-in 3, 0.51%
About this race: The registrations of 17 voters were challenged in Montreat during the last week before the election, with eight of them ruled ineligible by the Buncombe County Board of Elections due to evidence that they did not reside within the municipal limits a sufficient amount of time to qualify. Those voters have the right to appeal the decision within 10 days. There have also been allegations have much more widespread recruitment of ineligible voters in order to sway the outcome of this election. Elections officials have not ruled out the possibility of investigating possible wrongdoing. Regardless, due to the overwhelming percentages in this race, it seems highly unlikely that any inquiry would affect the outcome of the race, provided the apparent winners are not implicated in any misconduct.
Weaverville Town Council (3 seats), 4 of 4 precincts reporting
*Patrick Fitzsimmons 132, 32.04%
*Andrew Nagle 123, 29.85%
*John V. Penley 139, 33.74%
Write-in 18, 4.37%
Woodfin Mayor, 6 of 6 precincts reporting
*M. Jerry VeHaun 93, 89.42%
Write-in 11, 10.58%
Woodfin Alderman (3 seats), 6 out of 6 precincts reporting
*James (Jim) Angel 75, 29.88%
*Donald H. Honeycutt Jr. 80, 31.87%
*Ronnie Lunsford 83, 33.07%
Write-in 13, 5.18%
Woodfin Sanitary Water and Sewer District (3 seats), 4 out of 4 precincts reporting
*Ivo Ballentine 189, 30.68%
*Sarah W. Gassaway 216, 35.06%
*Don Haynes 188, 30.52%
Write-in 23, 3.73%
Cherokee County
No municipal races in 2015
Clay County
No municipal races in 2015
Graham County
Fontana Dam Mayor, 1 of 1 precincts reporting
*Sarah Houston 8, 80%
Write-in 2, 20%
Fontana Dam Council (4 seats), 1 of 1 precincts reporting
*Sara Locke 10, 40%
Write-in 15, 60%
About this race: Graham County Elections Director Teresa Garland talked with CPP by phone on Wednesday, Nov. 4. She said that the write-in votes were divided between multiple individuals, not all of whom may actually live in Fontana Dam. None of those candidates received more votes than Sara Locke, but three of them will win seats on the council. Official results will be released once the elections are canvassed by the Graham County Board of Elections on Tuesday, Nov. 10. Garland said the 10 voters who participated in this year’s Fontana Dam elections set a new record, with 7 at most participating in previous years.
Lake Santeetlah Council (5 seats), 1 of 1 precincts reporting
Roger Carlton 14, 8.05%
*Bob Crabtree 26, 14.94%
David Dickert 10, 5.75%
*John Garland 25, 14.37%
Chris Griggs 11, 6.32%
*Connie Gross 17, 9.77%
*Jim Hager 26, 14.94%
*Bob Wehr 21, 12.07%
Write-in 24, 13.79%
About this race: Graham County Elections Director Teresa Garland talked with CPP by phone on Wednesday, Nov. 4. She said none of the write-in vote recipients had enough votes to affect the outcome of this race. There is at one provisional ballot, but it also should not alter the outcome or make the results close enough to force a recount, Garland said.
Haywood County
Canton Alderman (2 seats), 6 out of 6 precincts reporting
Kate Brown 233, 25.27%
*Ralph A. Hamlett 254, 27.55%
Neal R. McCracken 159, 17.25%
*Gail F. Mull 270, 29.28%
Write-in 6, 0.65%
Clyde Mayor, 2 of 2 precincts reporting
Cynthia (Cindy) Golden 44, 28.39%
*Jerry Walker 110, 70.97%
Write-in 1, 0.65%
Clyde Alderman (2 seats), 2 of 2 precincts reporting
*Dann D. Jesse 126, 47.55%
*James Mashburn 136, 51.32%
Write-in 3, 1.13%
Clyde Alderman (unexpired term), 2 of 2 precincts reporting
Melanie Cochran 35, 23.33%
Frank Lay 115, 76.65%
Write-in 0, 0%
Maggie Valley Mayor, 2 out of 2 precincts reporting
*Saralyn Price (write-in) 233, 67.73%
Jasay (Jesse) Ketchum 27, 7.85%
Justin Phillips 84, 24.42%
Write-in (other) 0, 0%
Maggie Valley Alderman, (2 seats) 2 out of 2 precincts reporting
*Janet M. Banks 237, 39.3%
Billy Norris Case 137, 22.72%
Nikki McCauley 46, 7.63%
Kirsten Warstler 16, 2.65%
*Phillip Wight 166, 27.53%
Write-in 1, 0.17%
Waynesville Mayor, 8 out of 8 precincts reporting
Lynn Bradley 79, 4.66%
*Gavin A. Brown 1394, 82.24%
Jonnie Maree Cure 216, 12.74%
Write-in 6, 0.35%
Waynesville Alderman (4 seats), 8 out of 8 precincts reporting
*Gary Caldwell 1161, 19.01%
*Jon Feichter 1030, 16.87%
*Julia Boyd Freeman 997, 16.33%
Phillip Gibbs 417, 6.83%
Kenny Mull 879, 14.39%
*LeRoy S. Roberson 1026, 16.8%
Anthony Sutton 590, 9.66%
Write-in 4, 0.2%
Henderson County
Flat Rock Mayor, 2 of 2 precincts reporting
Bob Spitzen 38, 4.95%
*Bob Staton 727, 94.78%
Flat Rock Council District 1, 2 of 2 precincts reporting
*Nick Weedman 698, 99.29%
Write-in 5, 0.71%
Flat Rock Council District 2, 2 of 2 precincts reporting
*Ginger Brown 678, 99.27%
Write-in 5, 0.73%
Flat Rock Council District 3, 2 of 2 precincts reporting
*John Dockendorf 668, 99.4%
Write-in 4, 0.6%
Fletcher Council District 2, 3 of 3 precincts reporting
*Hugh Clark 67, 97.1%
Write-in 2, 2.9%
Fletcher Council District 3, 3 of 3 precincts reporting
*Bob Davy 69, 97.18%
Write-in 2, 2.82%
Hendersonville Council (2 seats), 13 out of 13 precincts reporting
*Steve Caraker 485, 39.53%
Rebecca Schwartz 308, 25.1%
*Ron Stephens 428, 34.88%
Write-in 6, 0.49%
Laurel Park Mayor, 3 out of 3 precincts reporting
*J. Carey O’Cain 159, 96.95%
Write-in 5, 3.05%
Laurel Park Council (2 seats), 3 out of 3 precincts reporting
*George W. Banta 157, 49.22%
*Robert Vickery 154, 48.28%
Write-in 8, 2.51%
Mills River Council (2 seats), 3 out of 3 precincts reporting
*Wayne S. Carland 67, 48.55%
*Roger Snyder 64, 46.38%
Write-in 7, 5.07%
Saluda Commissioner (2 seats), 1 out of 1 precincts reporting (Henderson results only)
Karen Bultman 0, 0%
*Leon Morgan 0, 0%
*Stanley Walker 2, 50%
Lynn Cass (write-in), 50%
Write-in (other) 0, 0%
About this race: Saluda residents reside in both Polk and Henderson counties. The two counties are handling the results somewhat differently, with Henderson County elections officials separating out votes for announced write-in candidate Lynn Cass and Polk officials leaving any votes for Cass mingled with other write-in votes. Unlike most towns that cross county lines, the State Board of Elections web site has not reconciled these results for Saluda and is not providing total votes and percentages for the two counties at this time. However, since only 4 voters in Henderson County appear to have participated in this election and the total number of write-in votes in well behind the number of votes for the top two candidates, the outcome should not be different from the results in Polk County, so that Leon Morgan and Stanley Walker are the clear winners. See additional vote totals under Polk County.
Jackson County
Forest Hills Mayor, 1 out of 1 precincts reporting
*Kolleen Begley 25, 96.15%
Write-in 1, 3.85%
Forest Hills Council (2 seats), 1 out of 1 precincts reporting
*Ron Mau 23, 57.5%
Write-in 17, 42.5%
About this race: The Jackson County Board of Elections will determine the winner of the second seat, the top eligible write-in vote recipient, when the results are canvassed on Tuesday, Nov. 10, according to county Elections Director Lisa Lovedahl, who spoke with CPP by phone on Wednesday, Nov. 4.
Sylva Mayor (unexpired term), 2 out of 2 precincts reporting
Danny Allen 93, 34.07%
Barbara W. Hamilton 84, 30.77%
Lynda Sossamon 96, 35.16%
Write-in 0, 0%
Sylva Council (3 seats), 2 out of 2 precincts reporting
Jeremy Dale Edmonds 95, 14.44%
*Harold Hensley 161, 24.47%
Greg McPherson 111, 16.87%
*David Nestler 179, 27.2%
Charles Schmidt 110, 16.72%
Write-in 2, 0.30%
About this race: With the 3rd and 4th finishers separated by only one vote, the third council seat cannot be determined until after the Jackson County Board of Elections canvasses results next week. Given the close finish, an automatic recount could be triggered. However, County Elections Director Lisa Lovedahl told CPP on Wednesday, Nov. 4, that eight provisional ballots may be counted in this race and have the potential to alter the outcome for the final seat.
Webster Council (2 seats), 1 out of 1 precinct reporting
*Billie Jo Bryson 13, 31.71%
Write-in 28, 68.29%
About this race: Jackson County Elections Director Lisa Lovedahl told CPP on Wednesday, Nov. 4, that Bryson was the top recipient of votes, with the write-in votes being split between other individuals. Once the county Board of Elections canvasses the results on Tuesday, Nov. 10, the top write-in candidate who is found to be eligible to serve on the Webster Council will be awarded the final seat.
Highlands Commissioner (3 seats), 1 out of 1 precinct reporting
About this race: Highlands ballots were available in 1 precinct in Jackson County, since the town limits include portions of both Jackson and Macon counties. Jackson County Elections Director Lisa Lovedahl told CPP on Wednesday, Nov. 4, that there are just three eligible voters for this race in Highlands County, none of whom have cast a ballot so far. However, two of them did request absentee ballots, which if postmarked in time would be counted. Even so, the results in Macon County were clear enough that this small number of votes would not change the outcome. Look for the results under Macon County.
Macon County
Franklin Mayor, 3 out of 3 precincts reporting
*Bob Scott 300, 93.46%
Write-in 21, 6.54%
Franklin Alderman (3 seats), 3 out of 3 precincts reporting
*Joe Collins 218, 21.46%
Verlin L. Curtis 92, 9.06%
Joyce Handley 159, 15.65%
*Adam Kimsey 168, 16.54%
*Brandon McMahan 227, 22.34%
Angela Moore 149, 14.67%
Write-in 3, 0.3%
About this race: Macon County Deputy Director of Elections Gary Tallent talked with CPP on Wednesday, Nov. 4, regarding this race. He said his office remains uncertain about whether the margin between Adam Kimsey and Joyce Handley is sufficient to force a recount if she requests one. There may also be a small number of provisional ballots and the possibility of late absentee ballots. However, short of a sudden shift that would put Handley ahead, Tallent said he understands that she is not planning to request a recount, so these results will most likely stand.
Highlands Commissioner (3 seats), 1 of 1 precincts reporting
*John (Buz) Dotson 110, 27.36%
*Eric Pierson 121, 30.1%
Michael David Rogers 56, 13.93%
*Brian J. Stiehler 112, 27.86%
Write-in 3, 0.75%
About this race: Highlands ballots were also available in 1 precinct in Jackson County, since the town limits include portions of both counties. However, no residents of Jackson County appear to have voted in this race. Two absentee ballots from Jackson County are outstanding, but would not be sufficient to alter the outcome of this race. So the Macon results should stand.
Madison County
Hot Springs Mayor, 1 of 1 precincts reporting
*Sidney Harrison 117, 51.32%
Elzie Keith McCall 13, 5.7%
Brian Reese 98, 42.98%
Write-in 0, 0%
Hot Springs Alderman (3 seats), 1 of 1 precincts reporting
*Vaughan Barnett 116, 17.6%
Matt Buckner 59, 8.95%
*Jeanne Caldwell 126, 19.12%
Johnny Lawson 103, 15.63%
*Jimmy Moore 111, 16.84%
Pete Nagle 98, 14.87%
Glenn Norwood 43, 6.53%
Write-in 3, 0.46%
Mars Hill Alderman (2 seats), 1 of 1 precincts reporting
*Larry H. Davis 47, 48.96%
*Stuart Jolley 48, 50%
Write-in 1, 1.04%
Marshall Mayor, 2 of 2 precincts reporting
Lawrence Ponder 101, 37.41%
*Jack Wallin 167, 61.85%
Write-in 2, 0.74%
Marshall Alderman (2 seats), 2 of 2 precincts reporting
Linda DuVall Jarvis 82, 15.89%
*Luther Nix 118, 22.87%
*Aileen S. Payne 141, 27.33%
Laura Ponder Smith 98, 18.99%
Ben Wall 46, 8.91%
Elizabeth Wilds 30, 5.81%
Write-in 1, 0.19%
McDowell County
Marion Council (2 seats), 9 of 9 precincts reporting
Thomas Fleming 55, 9.89%
*Billy S. Martin 241, 43.35%
Louis Parrow 39, 7.01%
*Don Ramsey 221, 39.75%
Write-in 0, 0%
Old Fort Alderman (3 seats), 3 of 3 precincts reporting
Charles William Aldridge Jr. 53, 14.44%
Ronal Lee Baxter 31, 8.45%
*Andrew Carlton 86, 23.43%
*Jamie Grindstaff 78, 21.25%
*Jimmie R. Harris 65, 17.71%
Wayne Roland 53, 14.44%
Write-in 1, 0.27%
Mitchell County
Bakersville Council (2 seats), 1 of 1 precincts reporting
*Charles Nash 15, 55.56%
*George A. Wilson 8, 29.63%
Write-in 4, 14.81%
Spruce Pine Mayor, 1 of 1 precincts reporting
Darla Phillips Harding 260, 49.61%
Larry McKinney 258, 49.24%
Write-in 6, 1.15%
About this race: Mitchell County Deputy Director of Elections Tina Burleson talked with CPP on Wednesday and Thursday regarding this race and confirmed that it ended in an apparent 258-258 tie on Election Day. Because of that outcome, the county board conducted a hand recount on Thursday, resulting in the results now shown above. Burleson credited this increase in the number of votes cast to an apparent under-count by the machines on Election Day. A small number of provisional ballots could also affect the outcome further, so an official result will not be available until after the board canvasses on Tuesday, Nov. 10. Burleson said Spruce Pine did not allow absentee ballots this year, so late-arriving ballots won’t be an issue in the race. Burleson said her office is awaiting guidance from the state board of elections on the proper procedures in case the final tally shows the candidates deadlocked, though this appears less likely after the recount.
Spruce Pine Council (2 seats), 1 of 1 precincts reporting
*James H. Acuff Jr. 318, 36.72%
John Boone 253, 29.21%
*Rocky Buchanan 287, 33.14%
Write-in 8, 0.92%
Polk County
Columbus Mayor, 2 of 2 precincts reporting
*Eric McIntyre 98, 100%
Write-in 0, 0%
Columbus Town Council (3 seats), 2 of 2 precincts reporting
Emily J. Gage 26, 8.87%
*Richard E. Hall 88, 30.03%
Scott Hamby 35, 11.95%
*Margaret W. Metcalf 97, 33.11%
*Mark Phillips 45, 15.36%
Write-in 2, 0.68%
Saluda Commissioner (2 seats), 1 of 1 precincts reporting (Polk results only)
Karen Bultman 26, 3.99%
*Leon Morgan 207, 31.75%
*Stanley Walker 268, 41.1%
Write-in 151, 23.16%
About this race: Saluda residents reside in both Polk and Henderson counties. The two counties are handling the results somewhat differently, with Henderson County elections officials separating out votes for announced write-in candidate Lynn Cass and Polk officials leaving any votes for Cass mingled with other write-in votes. Unlike most towns that cross county lines, the State Board of Elections web site has not reconciled these results for Saluda and is not providing total votes and percentages for the two counties at this time. However, since only 4 voters in Henderson County appear to have participated in this election and the total number of write-in votes in well behind the number of votes for the top two candidates, the outcome should not be different from the results in Polk County.
Tryon Mayor, 1 of 1 precincts reporting
*J. Alan Peoples 184, 55.09%
Jim Wright 149, 44.61%
Write-in 1, 0.3%
Tryon Council (2 seats), 1 of 1 precincts reporting
Doug Arbogast 121, 20.2%
*Crys Armbust 215, 35.89%
George Baker 114, 19.03%
*Roy Miller 147, 24.54%
Write-in 2, 0.33%
Rutherford County
Bostic Commissioner (3 seats), 1 of 1 precincts reporting
*Keith Dobbins 12, 18.18%
*Rodger Hall 20, 30.3%
*Jeff Swink 20, 30.3%
Write-in 14, 21.21%
About this race: Rutherford County Elections Director Debbie Bedford talked with CPP about this race on Wednesday, Nov. 4. She said the write-in votes were divided between several individuals and would not affect the outcome.
Chimney Rock Council, (3 seats) 1 of 1 precincts reporting
*Donald Cason 16, 32%
*Peter G. O’Leary 17, 34%
*William (Bayou Billy) Robson 16, 32%
Write-in 1, 2%
Ellenboro Mayor, 1 of 1 precincts reporting
Michael G. Jennings 25, 32.05%
*Jim Rhyne 51, 65.38%
Write-in 1, 2.56%
Ellenboro Alderman, (2 seats) 1 of 1 precincts reporting
*Charles E. Smith 58, 48.74%
*Sandra Butler Weeks 61, 51.26%
Write-in 0, 0%
Forest City Commissioner (3 seats), 3 of 3 precincts reporting
*Dee Dee Bright 446, 23.16%
*Justin Edward Conner 345, 17.91%
David Eaker 324, 16.82%
*Chris Lee 394, 20.46%
Tommy McBrayer 116, 6.02%
Derek G. Smith 271, 14.07%
Terry Wright 26, 1.35%
Write-in 4, 0.21%
Lake Lure Mayor, 1 of 1 precincts reporting
*Bob Keith 321, 91.19%
Write-in 31, 8.81%
Lake Lure Commissioner (2 seats), 1 of 1 precincts reporting
*Bob Cameron 240, 32.79%
Patricia Maringer 139, 18.99%
Barbara Marsh Searcy 84, 11.48%
*Stephen M. Webber 268, 36.61%
Write-in 1, 0.14%
Ruth Mayor, 1 of 1 precincts reporting
*Don Baynard 14, 56.0%
Write-in 11, 44.0%
Ruth Commissioner (2 seats), 1 of 1 precincts reporting
*Chris Adkins 20, 48.78%
*Mike Ellenburg 21, 51.22%
Write-in 0, 0%
Rutherfordton Councilman (2 seats), 2 of 2 precincts reporting
*Christy Bare 322, 45.35%
Gayle Clayton 48, 6.76%
*Henry C. Giles 338, 47.61%
Write-in 2, 0.28%
Spindale Commissioner (3 seats), 2 of 2 precincts reporting
*James Hamilton (write-in) 215, 28.63%
*Glen Harmon 198, 26.36%
Tom Roberson 160, 21.3%
Nancy B. Walker 167, 22.24%
Write-in (other) 11, 1.46%
About this race: Rutherford County Elections Director Debbie Bedford talked with CPP regarding this race on Wednesday, Nov. 4. She said write-in candidate was the top overall vote recipient with 215 votes, and the clear winner. Glen Harmon finished a clear second. There are a few provisional ballots in this race and the margin between Tom Roberson and Nancy Walker is very close. As a result, once the final tally is determined on Tuesday, Nov. 10, when the county Board of Elections canvasses the results, then the fourth-place finisher could potentially be close enough to request an automatic recount to determine who will receive the third commissioner seat.
Spindale Commissioner (Unexpired term), 2 of 2 precincts reporting
*Ben Edwards 159, 92.98%
Write-in 12, 7.02%
Cliffside Sanitary District Commissioner (3 seats), 0 of 1 precincts reporting
Write-in 0, 0%
About this race: Rutherford County Elections Director Debbie Bedford told CPP that no one ever files for these seats and no one ever votes. County Commissioners will appoint residents to serve in these three seats, as they have done in the past.
Forest City Malt Beverage Referendum, 3 of 3 precincts reporting
*For 465, 67%
Against 229, 33%
Rutherfordton Malt Beverage Referendum, 2 of 2 precincts reporting
*For 254, 68.65%
Against 116, 31.35%
Rutherfordton Unfortified Wine Referendum, 2 of 2 precincts reporting
*For 254, 68.83%
Against 115, 31.17%
Swain County
Bryson City Mayor, 2 of 2 precincts reporting
Catherine Gantt Cuthbertson 99, 42.31%
Tom Sutton 102, 43.59%
Jeremy Shuler (write-in) 33, 14.1%
Write-in (other) 0, 0%
About this race: Because of the close results, there is the potential for an automatic recount. A determination of the final tally will be needed when the Swain County Board of Elections canvasses this election on Tuesday, Nov. 11.
Bryson City Alderman (2 seats), 2 of 2 precincts reporting
Tee Angel 37, 8.43%
Jim Gribble 94, 21.41%
Tim Hines 51, 11.62%
Heidi Ramsey-Woodard 93, 21.18%
Mike Treadway 72., 16.4%
Kate Welch 91, 20.73%
Write-in 1, 0.23%
About this race: Because of the close results, there is the potential for an automatic recount. A determination of the final tally will be needed when the Swain County Board of Elections canvasses this election on Tuesday, Nov. 11.
Transylvania County
Brevard Council (3 seats), 5 of 5 precincts reporting
*Gary L. Daniel 247, 31.79%
*Maurice L. Jones 267, 34.36%
*Charlie Landreth 246, 31.66%
Write-in 17, 2.19%
Rosman Mayor, 2 of 2 precincts reporting
Brian E. Shelton 121, 98.37%
Write-in 2, 1.63%
Rosman Alderman (2 seats), 2 of 2 precincts reporting
*Larry Bullock 105, 46.7%
*Mark Miller (write-in) 82, 36.12%
Walter (Chub) Pettit 23, 10.13%
Mike Miller (write-in) 6, 2.64%
Write-in (other) 10, 4.41%
About this race: The Transylvania County Board of Elections has released a breakdown of the write-in votes, which shows that Mark Miller defeated incumbent Walter (Chub) Pettit for the second seat on the board.
Watauga County
Beech Mountain Town Council (3 seats), 1 of 1 reporting
(Totals with Avery County results in parenthesis)
Tony Ananea 58, 11.96% (58, 10.84%)
*Renee Castiglione 116, 23.92% (132, 24.67%)
Fred France 5, 10% (56, 10.47%)
Cindy Keller 16, 3.3% (16, 2.99%)
Carl Marquardt 60 12.37% (67, 12.52%)
Dottie Moretz 11, 2.27% (11, 2.06%)
Rick Owen 63, 12.99% (72, 13.46%)
*Wendel L. Sauer 108, 22.27% (121, 22.62%)
Write-in 2, 0.41% (2, 0.37%)
About this race: Because of the close finish between the 3rd and 4th vote recipients, a final tally will be needed when the Avery and Watauga County Boards of Election each canvas the results next week. It’s possible that the positions of these candidates could change. An automatic recount could also be triggered.
Blowing Rock Mayor, 1 of 1 precincts reporting
*J.B. Lawrence 268, 61.19%
Charlie Sellers 168, 38.36%
Write-in 2, 0.46%
Blowing Rock Council (2 seats), 1 of 1 precincts reporting
Dan Phillips 193, 25.43%
*Jim Steele 240, 31.62%
*Albert Yount 317, 41.77%
Write-in 9, 1.19%
Boone Mayor (Unexpired term), 8 of 8 precincts reporting
Rennie Brantz 873, 81.06%
Ryan Hollingsworth 196, 18.2%
Write-in 8, 0.74%
Boone Council (3 seats), 8 of 8 precincts reporting
*Loretta Clawson 644, 23.13%
Jeannine Underdown Collins 491, 17.64%
*Lynne Mason 612, 21.98%
*Charlotte Mizelle 561, 20.15%
David Welsh 453, 16.27%
Write-in 23, 0.83%
Boone Council (Unexpired term), 1 of 1 precincts reporting
*Jennifer Teague 849, 97.59%
Write-in 21, 2.41%
Seven Devils Council (3 seats), 1 of 1 precincts reporting
(Total with Avery County results in parenthesis)
*David A. Ehmig 32, 31.37% (39, 31.71%)
*Larry Fontaine 33, 32.35% (41, 33.33%)
*Brad Lambert 31, 30.39% (33, 26.83%)
Michael Potter 6, 5.88% (9, 7.32%)
Write-in 0, 0% (1, 0.81%)
Yancey County
Burnsville Council (2 seats), 1 of 1 precincts reporting
*Judy Buchanan 215, 30.94%
*Shannon Peterson 214, 30.79%
Bill Wheeler 148, 21.29%
Bill Whiteside 118, 16.98%
Write-in 0, 0%
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