Trump ticket leading among local voters

by By Jo Anne Embleton news@jacksovnilleprogress.com

Early totals released by the Cherokee County Election Department show incumbent Republican President candidate Donald J. Trump and Vice President Michael R. Pence leading the Nov. 3 election presidential race with 76.44 percent of the votes cast by Cherokee County residents.The Cherokee County Election Department released early figures of ballots cast locally at 7:07 p.m. Tuesday.Other candidates vying for the presidency include Democratic  candidate Joseph R. Biden, with vice presidential running mate Kamala Harris, who received 22.65 percent – or 3,502 – votes, while

Libertarian candidates Jo Jorgensen (presidential) and Jeremy "Spike" Cohen (vice presidential) received only 0.75% of the votes, or 116 ballots cast. Green Party candidates Howie Hawkins (presidential) and Angela Walker (vice presidential) received 24 votes, or 0.16% of the vote.

Meanwhile, a local race for a two-year unexpired seat on the Rusk school board reveals candidate Oliver G. Sturns leading by 51.25 percent, with 1,464 votes, while opponent Tara Nicole Tatarski has received 1,391 votes, or 48.72% of the ballots.Teresa Phifer leads the race for a three-year term on the Rusk school board, with a 52.66% (1,655 votes), compared to opponent Martin Pepin's 47.34 percent of the vote (1,488).

The Cherokeean Herald will post updated figures throughout the evening as election workers disseminate results.