DARKE COUNTY — Darke County again proved to be a bastion of conservative votes, and voter turnout significantly exceeded the last midterm election in 2014.
Of the 34,405 registered voters in the county, 19,562 cast ballots on Tuesday, or 56.86 percent, according to unofficial results posted by the Darke County Board of Elections. The 2014 midterm election saw voter turnout of only 44 percent.
Director Luke Burton said this year’s voter turnout was the highest for a midterm election since 2006 (67.96 percent).
“However, we did set a record for early voting in this type of election,” he said. “Voting was steady all day long in every precinct with little issues to report.”
Burton added he appreciates the efforts of the board’s workers and volunteers.
“My rover team does an excellent job keeping things running behind the scenes,” he said. “The poll workers did a fantastic job as always. I would like the voters to know that poll workers are your friends and neighbors. They volunteer to work a long and stressful day to ensure everyone has the chance to vote. We always do our best to process voters quickly and accurately. Their patience is much appreciated.”
While the GOP lost control of the U.S. House of Representatives, Darke County voters helped Republicans maintain a chokehold on state offices, including governor, secretary of state, attorney general, treasurer and auditor. As well, the county elected two Republicans — Susan Manchester and Jena Powell — to the Ohio House, as well as Steve Huffman to the Ohio Senate.
Darke County voters overwhelmingly voted against Issue 1, 82 to 18 percent, which would have reduced criminal penalties for drug abusers.
Among local issues on the ballot, Greenville City Schools’ 2-mill tax levy renewal passed 55 to 45 percent. All other tax levies within the county, new or renewing, were passed by voters, with the exception of Union City’s 1/4-percent continuing property tax and Twin Township’s 0.5-mill continuing tax levy.
For complete election results in Darke County, visit the Darke County Board of Elections website at https://bit.ly/2SRkE61
