Election generates good local turnout

[NOV. 8, 2006]  Yesterday's general election had a much higher turnout, with 10,237 votes cast of 19,094 registered voters, or 53.61 percent. Last spring's primary had only 23 percent voter turnout. Weather may have played a part, as it was blizzardlike on the day of the primary election.

There may be numerous reasons for a better turnout. A general election gets better results than the primary, when party candidates are chosen. Some voters would have been drawn to the state races, particularly governor, and Gov. Rod Blagojevich will keep his post. But at the local level there was also much interest in the sheriff's race and, for rural Lincoln residents, a potential new firehouse.

There were only two local contested positions on Tuesday's ballot: the sheriff's position and a county board seat. Also of interest was a Lincoln Rural Fire Protection District referendum that made a second appearance to voters.

The position contests were nearly double comparison counts. Republican candidate Sheriff Steve Nichols will retain his position, winning over Jerry Melton by 6,615 to 3,347.

The county board seat for the District 3 unexpired two-year term will also be retained by the current officeholder, Republican Rick Aylesworth. He won over Democrat Rebecca Drake, 1,262 to 618.

The referendum to issue $1.3 million in bonds to build a new firehouse for the Lincoln Rural Fire Protection District passed 850-736.

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