With all precincts reporting in Elkin, a change in town board commissioners is expected. Final totals and approval by the board of elections will not come for several days, but as the polls closed and the votes counted, Elkin has two new commissioners. With a total of 1,233 cast, turnout was up from the last mid-term election.

Cicely McCulloch received the most votes with 346, 28.06 percent of the vote. Incumbent Joe Walker came in second with 312 votes, and 25.30 percent of the vote.

Terry Kennedy won the third seat on the board with 287 votes and 23.28 percent of the overall votes.

Board member Gambill Aldridge received 276 votes with 22.38 percent of the votes, and will not be returning to his seat. There were 12 votes on a write-in choice with .097 percent of the vote. No word on the name of the write-in votes was available at press time.

Election officials Jean Gall, Helen Faulk and Steva Bledsoe manned the voting precinct located at Elkin Fire and Rescue on North Bridge Street, while Rebeca Current and one other official presided over the voting site located at Elkin Municipal Park's recreation building.

Both McCulloch and Aldridge were still speaking to possible voters as the polls closed on Tuesday night outside of the Parks and Recreation Dept.

"I'm saddened that Gambill will not be returning to the board, but I'm thrilled that the people of Elkin went to the polls and voted for me," McCulloch said. "I appreciate each and every vote and I'm looking forward to working for the people of Elkin."

Kennedy and Gambill Aldridge could not be reached by press time.

Walker related the election of the new members of the town board to the quality of the candidates vying for a position on the town board of commissioners.

"The election was very tight," Walker said. "I am so pleased that voters came out to vote and that they showed their faith in me enough to re-elect me to the board. I appreciate the support of the community.

I believe the election itself equates to the quality of the candidates. Personally, I plan to continue to work on issues that effect the town of Elkin, such as diversifying the work log and help to create new jobs, re-working the water system in Elkin to reduce the loss of thousands of gallons of water that is leaking from the old town pipes. Elkin has some very exciting times ahead."

Mayor Lestine Hutchens was pleased with the voter turnout of the non-partisan election, as well as the selection of the new commissioners.

"I'd like to say that Gambill Aldridge has been a wonderful commissioner and has done terrific work," Hutchens said. "In an election, the voters make their choice(s) and vote. I think it's important that interested parties have a chance to serve their community if they so desire.

Cicely is the second female to be elected to the town board," she said. "I believe she will bring a different look to the board as well as new ideas."

"Terry Kennedy has worked with the Elkin planning board for the past several years and through that board has worked with the Elkin commissioners also.

I believe all the candidates have the best interest of Elkin in heart.'

Green, Lewis win in Jonesville

Jonesville candidates spent the day welcoming voters to the precinct at the senior center in Lila Swaim park.

"It's been a wonderful day welcoming voters and speaking to the other candidates," Shirley Lewis, wife of Danny Lewis, candidate for Jonesville commissioner said.

With 1,459 registered voters, 342 votes were cast for a 23.44 percent turnout.

Lindberg Swaim, who ran uncontested, was re-elected as mayor, while Andy Green and Danny Lewis won the two available commissioner seats, one held by Edna Martin and the other seat that was held by the late Quincy Byrd, who passed away in December.

Green received 166 votes while Lewis received 143, both receiving the largest number of votes.

J. Arthur Burke Sr. received eight votes and Tommy Chappell picked up 97 votes. Incumbent Edna Martin received 115 votes and Tracy L. Wall received 114 votes.

"I'm a conservative republican," Green said. "Although this is a non-partisan election, I believe that the candidates here today can find a way to work together for the betterment of the community. I would like to see the water plant completed and a possible union of the Jonesville/Arlington fire departments that would better serve the community.

This is my first run in public office. Everyone here today has been very cordial and win, loose, or draw, I believe that friendships have been made today. All we need to do is support our board and work together to get things accomplished."