Voter turnout in Golden Triangle area counties Tuesday either approached or topped 50 percent, according to unofficial counts from circuit clerks’ offices.
In both Oktibbeha and Clay counties, well more than half of registered voters cast ballots in the mid-term elections, where they decided contested chancery court judge races and also voted in two U.S. Senate races and a U.S. House race.
Clay County led the way with 56.5 percent turnout, as 7,803 of 13,814 registered voters cast ballots. In Oktibbeha County, 53 percent (14,425 of 27,217) voted.
“Turnout was tremendous,” Rook said. “We anticipate overall turnout with absentee and affidavit ballots will be in the neighborhood of 55 percent. That’s an extraordinary turnout for Oktibbeha County.”
Lowndes County saw 49.1 percent turnout, with 19,984 of 40,691 registered voters casting ballots. In Noxubee County, 44.2 percent voted (3,340 of 7,563).
“The voter interest was high this year, compared to in June and four years ago,” Lowndes County Circuit Clerk Teresa Barksdale said. “I believe it was all the senate races and media coverage. I just hope it’s a sign that people continue to come out and let their voices be heard. I’m just very happy about the voter turnout we had at all our precincts.”
These turnout totals include in-person and absentee ballots cast. Affidavits, which counties will count today, are not included.
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